Language and Social Justice

This book examines how language influences social justice globally, presenting diverse case studies that highlight its dual role in promoting and challenging injustices.

Language, whether spoken, written, or signed, serves as a powerful tool that can either promote social justice or hinder it. The book Language and Social Justice is the first reference resource to adopt a global perspective in examining the intricate relationship between language and social justice. It broadens our understanding of how language symbolizes, frames, and articulates political, economic, and psychological issues within society, ultimately contributing to visions for social justice.

Through specific case studies that highlight how language can instantiate or challenge social injustices, each chapter offers a distinct viewpoint on the value of language and its role in exerting power. The book presents historical contexts and ethnographic backgrounds that are essential for comprehending how language shapes and negotiates various social justice issues. These case studies encompass a wide geographical range, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific Islands, with contributions from leading experts addressing themes such as equality, sovereignty, communal well-being, and the recognition of complex intersectional identities.

By placing language and social justice issues on a global platform, Language and Social Justice sheds light on the processes affecting communities that are increasingly influenced by colonial, neoliberal, and neofascist forms of globalization. This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the dynamic interplay between language and social justice in today's world.