Multilingualism in European Bilingual Contexts

The major challenge facing research on language use and attitudes is the generalization of findings. This is exactly what Lasagabaster & Huguet have managed to do for the European context in this book. By asking prominent researchers to apply the same research design in their unique bilingual context and have them analyze the data using the same techniques in order to answer common research questions, the editors have managed to create an unusually coherent edited volume that is most enlightening and satisfying to read. Jean-Marc Dewaele

* Birkbeck, University of London *

I have often bemoaned the fact that the ever more numerous studies of minority languages and their contexts restrict themselves to their particular situation, which is why the results can never be extrapolated. This book ushers in a new methodology and for that reason alone merits close condideration.

* Miquel Siguan, Emeritus Professor, University of Barcelona *

The wish of the European Union that European citizens should become proficient in three European languages, that is, in most cases in their primary language and two other European languages, represents many challenges for future language education. Language attitudes towards multilingualism and additional language learning in different bilingual contexts can have an enormous impact on the linguistic development of both communities and individuals. This transnational study presents a most welcome and significant contribution to research of third language learning and trilingual education in Europe. The data of this large-scale study provide important clues for language planning and policy. One of the strong points of this volume is the discussion of the key role that language awareness plays in the development of multilingualism.

* Ulrike Jessner, University of Innsbru