This volume explores the complex relationship between language and identity from various critical perspectives and by means of different research methodologies. Following the earlier collection, Languaging Diversity: Identities, Genres, Discourses, this book provides further insights into the multifaceted process of identity construction through language. The choice of dealing with the broad concept of ‘diversity’ underlines the inclusiveness of this text, which was conceived to analyse how identities are linguistically and socially construed, maintained and challenged in a vast array of sociolinguistic contexts. The choice of collecting papers concerning the thorny issue of language and diversity is grounded on the idea that individual identities are dynamic and socially negotiated in interaction and discourse, with language choices being true acts of identity (Le Page and Tabouret-Keller, 1985) by means of which people’s selves are performed and defined. To offer wide yet accurate descriptions of how identities are variously conveyed linguistically, this volume offers a varied approach to diversity, by covering different fields of research, from the investigation of ethnic minorities’ identities to the socio-linguistic and cultural status of Scots, to mention but two examples. The book consists of nine selected papers dealing with professional, cultural, ethnic and social identities, gender ideologies and national stereotypes built and negotiated in language practices and discourse .In particular, this work tackles a wide set of key topics: the construction and legitimation of ESOL teachers’ identities in their community of practice, multidimensional research on Italian immigrants’ distinctiveness, the negotiation of self in bilingual families, Scottish national belonging and attitudes towards the Scots language, the correlation between sexism and gender categories, and the development of a positive approach to diversity via enhanced critical awareness of culture-bound stereotypes.

What are the most widely spoken non-English languages in the USA? How did they reach the USA? Who speaks them, to whom, and for what purposes? What changes do these languages undergo as they come into contact with English? This book investigates the linguistic diversity of the USA by profiling the twelve most commonly used languages other than English. Each chapter paints a portrait of the history, current demographics, community characteristics, economic status, and language maintenance of each language group, and looks ahead to the future of each language. The book challenges myths about the 'official' language of the USA, explores the degree to which today's immigrants are learning English and assimilating into the mainstream, and discusses the relationship between linguistic diversity and national unity. Written in a coherent and structured style, Language Diversity in the USA is essential reading for advanced students and researchers in sociolinguistics, bilingualism, and education.

Languages, diversity and power: these are the concepts running through all chapters in this volume. Rooted in linguistics, translation studies and literary studies, often informed by cultural and political studies, postcolonial theory and history, the contributions here tackle the thorny issue of power relations as expressed, enforced, dismissed through the use of language(s). From the British press, to power relations as represented in TV series set in courtrooms, and from language-power intersections in the translation of Italian post-war cinema to power enforcement through film-making in Africa, the volume spans decades and continents, providing in-depth analyses of a host of contexts, facts, actions. As such, it will be of particular interest to scholars and students in linguistics, translation and cultural studies.

This Research Topic is the second volume of "The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity". Please see the first volume here.The goal of this Research Topic is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity and, specifically, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. Ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity. Accordingly, linguistic complexity has been found to correlate with features of the social environment, such as the absence of cross-cultural exchanges or the number of native speakers. Likewise, language structure could be influenced by the physical environment, as the effect of dry climates on tone seemingly shows. Finally, core properties of human languages, like duality of patterning, have been argued to result from iterative learning and cultural evolution, as research in village sign languages illustrates. On the whole this means that some aspects of languages could be an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches. Eventually, certain gene alleles, provided that they bias language acquisition or processing, may affect language change through iterated cultural transmission, and ultimately, to language structure.

Publisher description

An examination of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis on the relationship between grammar and thought.

This edited book presents an detailed analysis of the experience of deaf people as a bilingual-bicultural minority group in America. An overview of mainstream research on bilingualism and biculturalism is followed by specific research and conceptual analyses which examine the impact of cultural and language diversity on the experiences of deaf people. The book ends with poignant personal reflections from deaf community members. The contributors include prominent deaf and hearing experts in bilingualism, ASL and Deaf culture, and deaf education.