Shades of Decolonial Voices in Linguistics

This book explores how Linguistics has been shaped by colonization and proposes ways to decolonize it, emphasizing the importance of collaborative knowledge production and the decolonization of universities and societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This book makes a compelling argument that Linguistics, alongside disciplines like Anthropology and Sociology, has been significantly shaped by colonization. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how linguistic practices can be decolonized and the challenges that linguists face in diverse areas of Linguistics. The book concludes that decolonization in Linguistics is an ongoing and complex process that requires the decolonization of universities and societies as well.

The book prioritizes discussion, debate, and the collaborative, creative production of knowledge over individual authorship. It brings together established authors from various disciplines, alongside audience comment and dialogue, to create a challenging and inspiring text that represents an important step forward in the journey it seeks to chart.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on linguistic practices. The author argues that colonialism has resulted in the marginalization and oppression of indigenous languages and cultures, leading to the dominance of Western languages and ideologies in Linguistics. The book highlights the need for decolonization in Linguistics to rectify these imbalances and promote greater diversity and inclusivity.

To achieve decolonization, the book proposes several strategies. These include the recognition and respect of indigenous languages and cultures, the promotion of bilingualism and multilingualism, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into Linguistics research and teaching. The author also emphasizes the importance of decolonizing the curriculum and pedagogy of Linguistics, which often perpetuates colonial biases and stereotypes.

However, decolonization in Linguistics poses significant challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of recognition and support for indigenous languages and cultures by mainstream Linguistics institutions. The author argues that this lack of recognition perpetuates the marginalization of indigenous communities and hinders their ability to participate in and benefit from Linguistics research and teaching.

Another challenge is the resistance and backlash from those who benefit from the current colonial system in Linguistics. The author notes that there are vested interests in maintaining the status quo.quo and that decolonization may threaten these interests. This resistance can manifest in various ways, such as opposition to language revitalization efforts, the perpetuation of colonial biases and stereotypes, and the exclusion of indigenous perspectives from Linguistics research and teaching.

Despite these challenges, the book remains optimistic about the potential for decolonization in Linguistics. The author believes that decolonization is an ongoing process that requires the commitment and collaboration of linguists, educators, and communities from all over the world. The book encourages linguists to engage in critical self-reflection and to challenge their own biases and assumptions about language and culture. It also calls for the establishment of more inclusive and equitable institutions that promote diversity and inclusivity in Linguistics.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of Linguistics and offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how linguistic practices can be decolonized. The book prioritizes discussion, debate, and the collaborative, creative production of knowledge over individual authorship. It brings together established authors from various disciplines, alongside audience comment and dialogue, to create a challenging and inspiring text that represents an important step forward in the journey it seeks to chart. While decolonization in Linguistics poses significant challenges, the book remains optimistic about the potential for change and the importance of promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in the field.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 245 x 174 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800418530