Ingrid Piller, Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice, Oxford University Press, March 2016
Oxford University Press has just released Ingrid Piller’s new book
Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice: An Introduction to Applied Sociolinguistics
Description
Linguistic diversity is a universal characteristic of human language but linguistic diversity is rarely neutral; rather it is accompanied by linguistic stratification and linguistic subordination. Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice employs a case-study approach to real-world instances of linguistic injustice in liberal democracies undergoing rapid change due to high levels of migration and economic globalization. Focusing on the linguistic dimensions of economic inequality, cultural domination and imparity of political participation, this book offers a detailed examination of the connection between linguistic diversity and inequality in domains critical to social justice such as employment, education, and community participation.
Features
- Prompts thinking about linguistic disadvantage as a form of structural disadvantage that needs to be recognized and taken seriously, and that warrants a serious public debate as to how it can best be mitigated
- Includes case studies from around the world
- Offers a conversational approach inviting readers to engage with linguistic diversity and social justice through the online forum Language on the Move
Early reviews
“This is a serious book on a serious subject. In a globalized world whose rhetoric celebrates linguistic diversity, Ingrid Piller shows that the reality is one of systemic inequality and disadvantage—and makes a strong argument that linguistic questions should figure prominently on the social justice agenda in the twenty-first century.” (DEBORAH CAMERON, Professor of Language and Communication, University of Oxford)
“A vivid, powerful, and sober analysis of how language serves to entrench injustice and create indefensible discrimination. Piller’s wide-ranging book should inspire and shock both the general reader and the research world.” (ROBERT PHILLIPSON, Professor Emeritus, Copenhagen Business School (Denmark), and author of books on language policy, linguistic imperialism, and language rights)
Preview
A Google preview of Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice is available here.
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Paperback $29.95 $20.97
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Hello, my name is Zach and I am currently taking an online introduction to Linguistics course at my college. We are reading through your book, and my professor has asked me to post comments and questions on your blog as a part of our reflection assignments. So far we are on chapter 4: Linguistic Diversity at work.
Since this is a book that addresses social justice issues, I have been really focusing on how justice is being defined, early on in your introduction on page 5 it says that social justice is conceived as “constituted along three dimensions, namely, economic redistribution, cultural recognition, and political representation.”
What is meant by “economic redistribution”? Is this referring to the Socialist principle, or is something else meant by it?
Perhaps the biggest question I have is what do you think a government’s role is in a society? I agree in general that an employer discriminating against someone and not hiring them because of a stereotype is not good, but should this be treated as criminal activity, or as a rude social behavior? Is it the government’s job to end discrimination like that? Is being given a job for which you are qualified even a basic human right?
These are just several burning questions I have even reading the first few pages of the book. I would really love any feedback given.
Thanks.