Prologue 1. The Diversity of Languages 2. Interpreting Language Diversity 3. Multilingual Abilities 4. The Emergence and Measurement of Multilingualism 5. The Consequences of Babel: Lingua Francas 6. The Consequences of Babel: Translation 7. Keeping Languages Pure 8. Languages and Identities in Transition 9. Endangered Languages and the Will to Survive 10. Linguistic Intervention and the "New" Ecology of Language Epilogue Notes and References Index
Examines the dynamics of a multilingual planet, offering us a snapshot of a globalized society.
John Edwards is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is the author of many books, and the editor of the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development.
John Edwards has written a book about everything that happens when
languages meet, a book about ‘the social life of language'. With
his encyclopaedic knowledge he composed a small but complete
encyclopedia of multilingualism that has an intriguing fact or an
original insight on every page. Before readers realize that the
subject-matter is complicated, they have already understood it,
since Edwards wears his knowledge lightly and writes with apparent
ease. A book for everyone who has to cope with diverse languages,
that is, according to this book, nearly everyone.
*Abram de Swaan, Emeritus Professor of Social Science, University
of Amsterdam, The Netherlands*
Divided into 10 chapters on themes such as language diversity,
multilingualism, bridging means across languages, language survival
and intervention, this is the most readable textbook I have ever
come across... This seemingly light yet profoundly rich book, with
its span across the entire language diversity scene, cannot fail to
spark enthusiasm... Its apparent simplicity, clarity and colourful
asides make it an unforgettable reading experience.
*Times Higher Education Supplement (Textbook Guide)*
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