An Introduction to Multilingualism

Language in a Changing World

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book An Introduction to Multilingualism by Florian Coulmas, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Florian Coulmas ISBN: 9780192508652
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: December 21, 2017
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Florian Coulmas
ISBN: 9780192508652
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: December 21, 2017
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

This book offers an introduction to the many facets of multilingualism in a changing world. It begins with an overview of the multiplicity of human languages and their geographic distribution, before moving on to the key question of what multilingualism actually is and what is understood by terms such as 'mother tongue', 'native speaker', and 'speech community'. In the chapters that follow, Florian Coulmas systematically explores multilingualism with respect to the individual, institutions, cities, nations, and cyberspace. In each of these domains, the dynamics of language choice are undergoing changes as a result of economic, political, and cultural forces. Against this background, two chapters discuss the effects of linguistic diversity on the integration and separation of language and society, before a final chapter describes and assesses research methods for investigating multilingualism. Each chapter concludes with problems and questions for discussion, which place the topic in a real-world context. The book explores where, when, and why multilingualism came to be regarded as a problem, and why it presents a serious challenge for linguistic theory today. It provides the basic tools to analyse different kinds of multilingualism at both the individual and society level, and will be of interest to students of linguistics, sociology, education, and communication studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book offers an introduction to the many facets of multilingualism in a changing world. It begins with an overview of the multiplicity of human languages and their geographic distribution, before moving on to the key question of what multilingualism actually is and what is understood by terms such as 'mother tongue', 'native speaker', and 'speech community'. In the chapters that follow, Florian Coulmas systematically explores multilingualism with respect to the individual, institutions, cities, nations, and cyberspace. In each of these domains, the dynamics of language choice are undergoing changes as a result of economic, political, and cultural forces. Against this background, two chapters discuss the effects of linguistic diversity on the integration and separation of language and society, before a final chapter describes and assesses research methods for investigating multilingualism. Each chapter concludes with problems and questions for discussion, which place the topic in a real-world context. The book explores where, when, and why multilingualism came to be regarded as a problem, and why it presents a serious challenge for linguistic theory today. It provides the basic tools to analyse different kinds of multilingualism at both the individual and society level, and will be of interest to students of linguistics, sociology, education, and communication studies.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Hegel: The Phenomenology of Spirit by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book The EU Deep Trade Agenda by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book Tragedy: A Very Short Introduction by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book The Law of Tracing in Commercial Transactions by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book A Dictionary of Journalism by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book A Dictionary of Social Media by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book The Political Class by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book So You Think You Know Thomas Hardy? by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of American Elections and Political Behavior by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book Insurance Law for the Construction Industry by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book Anglicanism and the British Empire, c.1700-1850 by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book Illuminated History Books in the Anglo-Norman World, 1066-1272 by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book George Errington and Roman Catholic Identity in Nineteenth-Century England by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book The Sovereignty of Law by Florian Coulmas
Cover of the book Monsoon Revolution by Florian Coulmas
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy