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Bilingualism: A Social Approach

Understanding Language in Social Contexts

M Heller editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Palgrave USA

Published:29th Apr '07

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Bilingualism: A Social Approach cover

The book offers a fresh perspective on bilingualism, emphasizing its role in shaping social identities and inequalities. Bilingualism: A Social Approach encourages deeper exploration of these themes.

In Bilingualism: A Social Approach, the author challenges the conventional understanding of bilingualism as merely the coexistence of two languages. Instead, the book presents a critical perspective that delves into the complexity of bilingual practices as they relate to sociolinguistic contexts. It emphasizes how these practices are not just about language but are intricately tied to the construction of social identities and the dynamics of power within specific historical frameworks.

The text argues that bilingualism should be viewed through the lens of social difference and inequality, highlighting how language practices can reflect and reinforce societal structures. The author draws on a range of case studies and theoretical insights to illustrate how bilingualism manifests in various social settings, revealing the underlying social forces that shape linguistic interactions. This approach encourages readers to reconsider the implications of bilingualism in their own communities.

Ultimately, Bilingualism: A Social Approach invites scholars, educators, and policymakers to rethink the role of language in society. By situating bilingualism within broader social issues, the book contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how language practices influence and are influenced by social relations. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of language, society, and inequality.

'...contain[s] a significant amount of useful and well-researched debate, much of which may be the source of some interesting debates. It is certainly a useable book for the postgraduate researcher at which it is aimed, as well as for the more established academic.' - David Hill, Journal of Sociolinguistics

ISBN: 9781403996787

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 488g

361 pages