A Sociolinguistics of the South : Diversities, Affinities and Diasporas

This collection aims to challenge existing perceptions of linguistic diversity by building on growing research and interest in southern experiences of multilingualism and mobility and to shift the focus from diversity as difference toward diversity in concert with affiliation and diaspora. The volume looks at the dynamic and fluid relationship between multilingual repertoires and place and time, spotlighting southern settings commonly positioned as marginal within the existing literature, to demonstrate the ways in which diversity is socially productive for local populations as well as incoming social groups. The book is broken out into three main sections - historical perspectives, southern multilingualisms and perspectives on education, and research methodologies - with individual contributions "reflecting" upon one another in the volume, creating a conversation across chapters meditating on the collection's key themes. Bringing together voices from a global cast of established researchers in the field, the volume is essential reading for students and scholars in sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, language education, and cultural studies.