Multilingualism and Identity

Analysis and Understanding of Multilingualism

The analysis and understanding of multilingualism, and its relationship to identity in the face of globalization, migration and the increasing dominance of English as a lingua franca, makes it a complex and challenging problem that requires insights from a range of disciplines.

With reference to a variety of languages and contexts, this book offers fascinating insights into multilingual identity from a team of world-renowned scholars, working from a range of different theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Overarching Themes and Case Studies

Three overarching themes are explored – situatedness, identity practices, and investment – and detailed case studies from different linguistic and cultural contexts are included throughout.

Multilingualism as Resource

The chapter authors' consideration of multilingualism-as-resource challenges the conception of multilingualism-as-problem, which has dogged so much political thinking in late modernity.

The studies offer a critical lens on the types of linguistic repertoire that are celebrated and valued, and introduce the policy implications of their findings for education and wider social issues.