Multilingual Environments in the Great War

This book explores the ways in which language has been used to make sense of the First World War, offering a transnational viewpoint of the experience of war. It examines language experiences in many regions, including Africa, Armenia, post-war Australia, Russia, and Estonia, and connects language and literature with linguistic analysis of communication.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the diverse ways in which language has been employed to comprehend the complexities of the First World War. By advancing an innovative approach to the study of this pivotal conflict, it presents a transnational perspective on the war experience, unveiling previously unanticipated linguistic dimensions. Spanning across various regions, including Africa, Armenia, post-war Australia, Russia, and Estonia, the chapters explore a wide range of contexts, from prisoner-of-war and internment camps to food queues and post-war barracks. Drawing upon a diverse array of languages, such as Esperanto, Flemish, Italian, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Romanian, and Turkish, Multilingual Environments in the Great War brings together the language experiences of both combatants and the home front, seamlessly intertwining language and literature with rigorous linguistic analysis of the immediacy of communication.

The book's exploration of language use during the First World War extends far beyond the Western Front, encompassing diverse regions such as Africa, Armenia, post-war Australia, Russia, and Estonia. Each chapter delves into a range of contexts, from the harrowing experiences of prisoner-of-war and internment camps to the mundane yet profound aspects of life in food queues and post-war barracks. By employing a wide variety of languages, including Esperanto, Flemish, Italian, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Romanian, and Turkish, the book fosters a comprehensive understanding of the multilingual environments that prevailed during this period.

One of the key strengths of Multilingual Environments in the Great War lies in its ability to bridge the gap between language and literature. The authors seamlessly integrate linguistic analysis with literary interpretations, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the war's impact on language and culture. Through their meticulous research and analysis, the book sheds light on the ways in which language was used to convey emotions, convey information, and forge connections between individuals from different backgrounds.

Moreover, the book's transnational perspective offers a valuable insight into the complexities of language use during times of conflict. It challenges the notion of a monolithic and homogeneous language landscape and highlights the diverse linguistic resources available to individuals and communities. By examining the ways in which language was adapted, modified, and appropriated in different contexts, the book sheds light on the ways in which language can serve as a tool for resilience, resistance, and cultural preservation.

In conclusion, Multilingual Environments in the Great War is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and innovative approach to the study of the First World War. By expanding the scope of inquiry beyond the Western Front and embracing a transnational perspective, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the war's linguistic dimensions. Through its rigorous analysis and interdisciplinary approach, the book sheds light on the ways in which language shaped the experiences of individuals and communities during this pivotal period of history.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350233188