Decolonizing Linguistics

This work, Decolonizing Linguistics, explores the impact of colonization in linguistics and offers actionable steps toward social justice and inclusivity in the discipline.

The volume titled Decolonizing Linguistics serves as a vital companion to the earlier work, Inclusion in Linguistics. Its primary aim is to explore and challenge the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization within the field of linguistics and its related disciplines. Together, these two volumes represent the first extensive, action-oriented discussions focused on promoting social justice across all facets of linguistics. This comprehensive approach seeks to foster a more equitable and inclusive academic environment.

In Decolonizing Linguistics, the introduction presents a theoretical framework for understanding decolonization, emphasizing the importance of centering Black, Native, and Indigenous perspectives. The collaborative nature of this volume's development is highlighted, showcasing the extensive dialogue among contributors. Key principles for decolonizing linguistic research and education are laid out, setting the stage for meaningful change within the discipline.

The book comprises twenty chapters that delve into a variety of languages and contexts, including Bantu languages, Creoles, and Francophone Africa. Contributors tackle pressing issues such as the need to reject settler-colonial practices, establish equitable research partnerships, and prioritize Black Diasporic perspectives in linguistics. The concluding chapter outlines actionable steps for linguists to implement in their research, teaching, and institutional practices, aiming to dismantle coloniality and guide the field toward a more decolonized future.