Introducing multilingualism : a social approach

Author(s)

• Weber, Jean Jacques
• Horner, Kristine

Bibliographic Information

Introducing multilingualism : a social approach

Jean-Jacques Weber, Kristine Horner

Routledge, 2012

• : pbk

Note

Includes bibliographical references and indexes

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Introducing Multilingualism is a brand new, comprehensive and user-friendly introduction to the dynamic field of multilingualism. Adopting a compelling social and critical approach, Jean-Jacques Weber and Kristine Horner guide readers through the established theories about multilingualism. The book covers language as a social construct, language contact and variation, language and identity and the differences between individual and societal multilingualism. The authors also provide an alternative approach to studying multilingualism, introducing innovative concepts such as flexible multilingualism and literacy bridge in order to encourage students to critically question dominant discourses on topics such as integration, heritage and language testing. This highly practical textbook incorporates a wide range of engaging activities and encourages students to think critically about important social and educational issues. Throughout, the theoretical content is explored through a wide range of case studies from around the world. Clearly argued and widely applicable, this book is essential reading for undergraduate students and postgraduate students new to studying multilingualism.

Table of Contents

Part I 1. Introduction 2. Theoretical and methodological framework Part II: Multilingualism within and across languages 3. What is a language? 4. Language variation and the spread of global languages 5. Revitalization of endangered languages Part III: Societal and individual multilingualism 6. Societal multilingualism 7. Language and identities 8. The interplay between individual and societal multilingualism Part IV: Multilingual education 9. Flexible vs fixed multilingualism 10. Mother tongue education or literacy bridges? 11. Heritage language education Part V: Critical analysis of discourses 12. Institutional discourses on language and migration 13. Media representations of multilingualism 14. Linguistic landscape Part VI: Conclusion Notes on the Activities Author Index Subject Index

by "Nielsen BookData"

• NCID: BC11259465
• ISBN:
  • 9780415609975
• LCCN: 2011024291
• Country Code: uk
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Place of Publication: Abingdon
• Pages/Volumes: x, 214 p.
• Size: 24 cm
• Classification:
  • LCC : P115.45
  • DC23 : 306.44/6
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : Multilingualism -- Social aspects
  • LCSH : Sociolinguistics