SKU: 64134804363

Multilingualism: A Very Short Introduction

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Multilingualism: A Very Short IntroductionThe languages of the world can be seen and heard in cities and towns, forests and isolated settlements, as well as on the internet and in international organizations like the UN or the EU. How did the world acquire so many languages? Why can't we all speak one language, like English or Esperanto? And what makes a person bilingual? Multilingualism, language diversity in society, is a perfect expression of human plurality. About 6,500 7,000 languages

The languages of the world can be seen and heard in cities and towns, forests and isolated settlements, as well as on the internet and in international organizations like the UN or the EU. How did the world acquire so many languages? Why can't we all speak one language, like English or Esperanto? And what makes a person bilingual? Multilingualism, language diversity in society, is a perfect expression of human plurality. About 6,500-7,000 languages are spoken, written, and signed throughout the linguistic landscape of the world by people who communicate in more than one language (at work, or in the family or community). Many origin myths, like Babel, called it a "punishment" but multilingualism makes us who we are and plays a large part of our sense of belonging. Languages are instruments for interacting with the cultural environment and their ecology is complex. They can die (Tasmanian), or decline then revive (Manx and Hawaiian), reconstitute from older forms (modern Hebrew), gain new status (Catalan and Maori) or become autonomous national languages (Croatian). Languages can even play a supportive and symbolic role as some territories pursue autonomy or nationhood, such as in the cases of Catalonia and Scotland.

In this Very Short Introduction John C. Maher shows how multilingualism offers cultural diversity, complex identities, and alternative ways of doing and knowing to hybrid identities. Increasing multilingualism is drastically changing our view of the value of language, and our notion of the part language plays in national and cultural identities. At the same time multilingualism can lead to social and political conflict, unequal power relations, issues of multiculturalism, and discussions over 'national' or 'official' languages, with struggles over language rights of local and indigenous communities. Considering multilingualism in the context of globalization, Maher also looks at the fate of many endangered languages as they disappear from the world.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 06/22/2017
ISBN: 9780198724995
Pages: 144
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 6.80h x 4.30w x 0.60d
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SKU: 64134804363

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LindyB
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great dressy sneaker to wear with business casual or jeans
Size: 11, Color: British Tan/Ivry
I got these for my husband to wear with jeans or business casual dress pants. They look sharp and professional and dress up jeans if you're going out. He says they fit comfortably and he can walk on them all day without his feet hurting. They are beautiful genuine leather so they don't get stinky. I got my husband's normal size and they fit to size.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2026
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timothy scalabrelli
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
Comfortable
Size: 9, Color: Black/Ivory
Most comfortable and roomy shoes I ever wore. Great for insoles. Looks nice too. The base of the shoe is a bit too thick but it’s fine.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2025
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Guy Bloom
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Look great for dress up up casual
Size: 13, Color: Black Leather/Optic White
I wear them every day for work. They are comfortable and light. I will say I was frustrated with the crease in the top that started the first time I wore them but other than that they are a great pair of shoes.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
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LINCOLN STARNES
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
RETRO STYLING, VERY COMFORTABLE; QUALITY MATERIAL
Size: 11, Color: Black Leather/Black
VERY COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH PAIR OF SHOES; OLD FASHIONED STYLING; VERY NICE; WHEN THESE WEAR OUT, I WILL CERTAINLY BUY ANOTHER PAIR!!
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Erin
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shoe
Size: 11.5 Wide, Color: Tan Leather Burnished
Very comfortable business casual shoe. Looks professional, yet stylish
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Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026

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