Languages and Social Cohesion: A Transdisciplinary Literature Review

Languages and Social Cohesion is a critical and systematic review of existing research that explores the role of languages in understanding social cohesion in the presence of linguistic diversity. It emphasizes the importance of language repertoires as tools that facilitate social networks and access to resources, and how language norms and allegiances can shape the way groups use their language resources. Education is highlighted as a policy tool that implements linguistic decisions and norms, and can guide and inform further research on social cohesion and languages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A comprehensive and rigorous examination of existing research that intersects sociology, social psychology, and applied linguistics, Languages and Social Cohesion provides insightful perspectives for social contexts where decision-makers and researchers navigate the complexities of social cohesion in the presence of linguistic diversity. Drawing upon a thematic analysis of 285 studies from 50 countries, this book underscores the pivotal role of languages in understanding social cohesion and offers a framework of perspectives to facilitate exploration of these intricate interconnections. By interpreting the literature, the authors establish language repertoires as valuable tools that facilitate social networks and access to resources. Furthermore, language norms and allegiances can subjectively influence how groups utilize their language resources, leading to social inclusion, exclusion, and the mediation of language groups.

In particular, education emerges as a policy tool that implements linguistic decisions and norms, shaping status, hierarchies, and the distribution of languages within society. The theory-informed and accessible tools presented in this book can serve as valuable guides for further research, workshops, or projects that investigate social cohesion and languages. This book holds relevance across diverse and interconnected spheres of influence, including groups, communities, institutions, and authorities at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367638146