Multilingualism
Author | : John Edwards |
Publisher | : Bloomsbury Publishing |
Total Pages | : 89 |
Release | : 2012-02-16 |
ISBN-10 | : 9781441113764 |
ISBN-13 | : 1441113762 |
Rating | : 4/5 (64 Downloads) |
Download or read book Multilingualism written by John Edwards and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2012-02-16 with total page 89 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.