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.

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.

It’s no secret that, in most American classrooms, students are expected to master standardized American English and the conventions of Edited American English if they wish to succeed. Language Diversity in the Classroom: From Intention to Practice works to realign these conceptions through a series of provocative yet evenhanded essays that explore the ways we have enacted and continue to enact our beliefs in the integrity of the many languages and Englishes that arise both in the classroom and in professional communities. Edited by Geneva Smitherman and Victor Villanueva, the collection was motivated by a survey project on language awareness commissioned by the National Council of Teachers of English and the Conference on College Composition and Communication. All actively involved in supporting diversity in education, the contributors address the major issues inherent in linguistically diverse classrooms: language and racism, language and nationalism, and the challenges in teaching writing while respecting and celebrating students’ own languages. Offering historical and pedagogical perspectives on language awareness and language diversity, the essays reveal the nationalism implicit in the concept of a “standard English,” advocate alternative training and teaching practices for instructors at all levels, and promote the respect and importance of the country’s diverse dialects, languages, and literatures. Contributors include Geneva Smitherman, Victor Villanueva, Elaine Richardson, Victoria Cliett, Arnetha F. Ball, Rashidah Jammi` Muhammad, Kim Brian Lovejoy, Gail Y. Okawa, Jan Swearingen, and Dave Pruett. The volume also includes a foreword by Suresh Canagarajah and a substantial bibliography of resources about bilingualism and language diversity.

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.

Language Diversity in the Sinophone World offers interdisciplinary insights into social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of multilingualism in the Sinophone world, highlighting language diversity and opening up the burgeoning field of Sinophone studies to new perspectives from sociolinguistics. The book begins by charting historical trajectories in Sinophone multilingualism, beginning with late imperial China through to the emergence of English in the mid-19th century. The volume uses this foundation as a jumping off point from which to provide an in-depth comparison of modern language planning and policies throughout the Sinophone world, with the final section examining multilingual practices not readily captured by planning frameworks and the ideologies, identities, repertoires, and competences intertwined within these different multilingual configurations. Taken together, the collection makes a unique sociolinguistic-focused intervention into emerging research in Sinophone studies and will be of interest to students and scholars within the discipline.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of language contact in classroom settings. Particularly highlighted are the range and implications of attitudes towards languages and dialects - with close attention to nonstandard varieties - studies of Black English, foreign-language teaching and learning, as well as broad consideration of the assumptions and intentions underpinning bilingual and multicultural education.