Speech and the City

Multilingualism, Decoloniality and the Civic University

Yaron Matras author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:30th May '24

£95.00

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Speech and the City cover

Explores how cities can offer a counter-weight to hostile attitudes to multilingualism by forging civic identities that embrace diversity.

Drawing on research in Manchester, this book discusses the role of cities in constructing notions of belonging that are based on linguistic pluralism, how academics can support such processes, and the limitations they face. It is essential reading for anyone concerned about protecting linguistic and cultural pluralism in our society.The Brexit debate has been accompanied by a rise in hostile attitudes to multilingualism. However, cities can provide an important counter-weight to political polarisation by forging civic identities that embrace diversity. In this timely book, Yaron Matras describes the emergence of a city language narrative that embraces and celebrates multilingualism and helps forge a civic identity. He critiques linguaphobic discourses at a national level that regard multilingualism as deficient citizenship. Drawing on his research in Manchester, he examines the 'multilingual utopia', looking at multilingual spaces across sectors in the city that support access, heritage, skills and celebration. The book explores the tensions between decolonial approaches that inspire activism for social justice and equality, and the neoliberal enterprise that appropriates diversity for reputational and profitability purposes, prompting critical reflection on calls for civic university engagement. It is essential reading for anyone concerned about ways to protect cultural pluralism in our society.

'Speech and the City tells the story of 'Multilingual Manchester' and how an academic project succeeded in shifting the monolingual habitus. The book also offers an intriguing glimpse into the author's distinguished career as a linguist, scholar, and activist.' Ingrid Piller, Author of Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice
'This book documents and theorises 10 years of extraordinary innovation, forging an activist sociolinguistics that reaches through most of the walls within and around the academy. Impassioned, powerful and provocative, it is also a lived exploration of decolonial openings in a neoliberal system.' Ben Rampton, Professor of Applied & Sociolinguistics, King's College London

ISBN: 9781108485708

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 13mm

Weight: 425g

188 pages