Multilingualism - by John Edwards (Paperback)

About the Book

This title examines the dynamics of a multilingual planet, offering us a snapshot of a globalized society. Multilingualism is everywhere in a globalized society. This book looks at its consequences, from the development of multilingual communities to language competition and variation. The author examines lingua francas, pidgins, creoles and artificial languages on the way to developing a snapshot of the social life of language. The book asks: How far a role does translation play in helping multilingualism to thrive? Are polyglots viewed with suspicion, given the links between language and identity? Is language maintenance and revival worth the effort? Can a language remain 'pure'? And if languages constantly shift, what does this say about identity?

Book Synopsis

HOW DO LANGUAGES LIVE AND DIE?

WHAT ROLE DOES TRANSLATION PLAY IN HELPING LANGUAGES TO THRIVE?

ARE POLYGLOTS VIEWED WITH SUSPICION, GIVEN THE LINKS BETWEEN LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY?

IS THE MAINTENANCE AND REVIVAL OF FLAGGING LANGUAGES WORTH THE EFFORT?

CAN A LANGUAGE REMAIN 'PURE'?

IF LANGUAGE PATTERNS CONSTANTLY ALTER, WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT IDENTITY?

Multilingualism is everywhere in a globalized society. This book looks at the origins and development of languages, at language contact and competition, and at the emergence and the consequences of multilingualism. Edwards also examines lingua francas, pidgins, creoles and artificial languages as a part of a broader snapshot of the social life of language.

This compelling short introduction is required reading for all entry-level students of multilingualism, and a primer for language lovers in general.

Review Quotes

Divided into 10 chapters on themes such as language diversity, multilingualism, bridging means across languages, language survival and intervention, this is the most readable textbook I have ever come across... This seemingly light yet profoundly rich book, with its span across the entire language diversity scene, cannot fail to spark enthusiasm... Its apparent simplicity, clarity and colourful asides make it an unforgettable reading experience.

John Edwards has written a book about everything that happens when languages meet, a book about 'the social life of language'. With his encyclopaedic knowledge he composed a small but complete encyclopedia of multilingualism that has an intriguing fact or an original insight on every page. Before readers realize that the subject-matter is complicated, they have already understood it, since Edwards wears his knowledge lightly and writes with apparent ease. A book for everyone who has to cope with diverse languages, that is, according to this book, nearly everyone.
Times Higher Education Supplement (Textbook Guide)

About the Author

John Edwards is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is the author of many books, and the editor of the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development.