SKU: 64134804363

Multilingualism: A Very Short Introduction

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Multilingualism: A Very Short IntroductionThe languages of the world can be seen and heard in cities and towns, forests and isolated settlements, as well as on the internet and in international organizations like the UN or the EU. How did the world acquire so many languages? Why can't we all speak one language, like English or Esperanto? And what makes a person bilingual? Multilingualism, language diversity in society, is a perfect expression of human plurality. About 6,500 7,000 languages

The languages of the world can be seen and heard in cities and towns, forests and isolated settlements, as well as on the internet and in international organizations like the UN or the EU. How did the world acquire so many languages? Why can't we all speak one language, like English or Esperanto? And what makes a person bilingual? Multilingualism, language diversity in society, is a perfect expression of human plurality. About 6,500-7,000 languages are spoken, written, and signed throughout the linguistic landscape of the world by people who communicate in more than one language (at work, or in the family or community). Many origin myths, like Babel, called it a "punishment" but multilingualism makes us who we are and plays a large part of our sense of belonging. Languages are instruments for interacting with the cultural environment and their ecology is complex. They can die (Tasmanian), or decline then revive (Manx and Hawaiian), reconstitute from older forms (modern Hebrew), gain new status (Catalan and Maori) or become autonomous national languages (Croatian). Languages can even play a supportive and symbolic role as some territories pursue autonomy or nationhood, such as in the cases of Catalonia and Scotland.

In this Very Short Introduction John C. Maher shows how multilingualism offers cultural diversity, complex identities, and alternative ways of doing and knowing to hybrid identities. Increasing multilingualism is drastically changing our view of the value of language, and our notion of the part language plays in national and cultural identities. At the same time multilingualism can lead to social and political conflict, unequal power relations, issues of multiculturalism, and discussions over 'national' or 'official' languages, with struggles over language rights of local and indigenous communities. Considering multilingualism in the context of globalization, Maher also looks at the fate of many endangered languages as they disappear from the world.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 06/22/2017
ISBN: 9780198724995
Pages: 144
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 6.80h x 4.30w x 0.60d
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SKU: 64134804363

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marquisha zant
Natrona Heights, US
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Pretty watch no picture with it actually on the wrist
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I was going to buy this but didn’t see one picture with the watch actually on the wrist.
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Size: 11.5, Color: Optic White/Opti
These are awesome shoes - look great really, really white and clean! Love how comfortable they are - and soooo light. I was a little worried they'd get dirty easily, but I've been able to keep them clean. Fit as expected. If you're looking for a great, comfortable, and affordable shoe, check these out!
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Jeremy P
Phoenix, US
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Great shoe, comfort
Size: 11.5, Color: British Tan/Ivry
Love these shoes, they're super comfy. Laces stayed tied all day. I wear them in a business casual environment, or if I'm going out for a nice meal with my wife. They look good, the color is unassuming and neutral. they also elevate my height, I feel like it gives me an inch or so more versus regular shoes. This is my second pair!
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marcial ciprian
Lake Worth, US
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Size: 7, Color: British Tan/Ivry, Size: 7, Color: British Tan/Ivry
Look very nice these shoes, speally to go out to dinner with the family, are really light weight, great quelith, and great softness
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Orande Daring
Birmingham, US
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Nice pair of shoes for my feet. Fits comfortably and nice cushion when walking. I would buy another pair.
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