Language Diversity in the USA

Language Diversity in the USA
Author: Kim Potowski
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages:
Release: 2010-08-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1139491261

What are the most widely spoken non-English languages in the USA? How did they reach the USA? Who speaks them, to whom, and for what purposes? What changes do these languages undergo as they come into contact with English? This book investigates the linguistic diversity of the USA by profiling the twelve most commonly used languages other than English. Each chapter paints a portrait of the history, current demographics, community characteristics, economic status, and language maintenance of each language group, and looks ahead to the future of each language. The book challenges myths about the 'official' language of the USA, explores the degree to which today's immigrants are learning English and assimilating into the mainstream, and discusses the relationship between linguistic diversity and national unity. Written in a coherent and structured style, Language Diversity in the USA is essential reading for advanced students and researchers in sociolinguistics, bilingualism, and education.

Diversity in Language

Diversity in Language
Author: Yoshiko Matsumoto
Publisher: Center for the Study of Language and Information Publica Tion
Total Pages: 314
Release: 2007
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

Publisher description

Multilingualism and Language Diversity in Urban Areas

Multilingualism and Language Diversity in Urban Areas
Author: Peter Siemund
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
Total Pages: 391
Release: 2013-05-31
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9027272212

This state-of-the-art volume provides an interdisciplinary overview of current topics and research foci in the areas of linguistic diversity and migration-induced multilingualism and aims to lay the foundations for interdisciplinary work and the development of a common methodological framework for the field. Linguistic diversity and migration-induced multilingualism are complex, mufti-faceted phenomena that need to be studied from different, complementary perspectives. The volume comprises a total of fourteen contributions from linguistic, educationist, and urban sociological perspectives and highlights the areas of language acquisition, contact and change, multilingual identities, urban spaces, and education. Linguistic diversity can be framed as a result of current processes of migration and globalization. As such the topic of the present volume addresses both a general audience interested in migration and globalization on a more general level, and a more specialized audience interested in the linguistic repercussions of these large-scale societal developments.

Handbook of Language and Communication: Diversity and Change

Handbook of Language and Communication: Diversity and Change
Author: Marlis Hellinger
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages: 806
Release: 2008-09-25
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 3110198533

In line with the overall perspective of the Handbook series, the focus of Vol.9 is on language-related problems arising in the context of linguistic diversity and change, and the contributions Applied Linguistics can offer for solutions. Part I, “Language minorities and inequality,” presents situations of language contact and linguistic diversity as world-wide phenomena. The focus is on indigenous and immigrant linguistic minorities, their (lack of) access to linguistic rights through language policies and the impact on their linguistic future .Part II “Language planning and language change,” focuses on the impact of colonialism, imperialism, globalisation and economics as factors that language policies and planning measures must account for in responding to problems deriving from language contact and linguistic diversity. Part III, “Language variation and change in institutional contexts,” examines language-related problems in selected institutional areas of communication (education, the law, religion, science, the Internet) which will often derive from socioeconomic, cultural and other non-linguistic asymmetries. Part IV, “The discourse of linguistic diversity and language change,” analyses linguistic diversity, language change and language reform as issues of public debates which are informed by different ideological positions, values and attitudes (e.g. with reference to sexism, racism, and political correctness).The volume also contains extensive reference sections and index material.

Languages and Dialects in the U.S.

Languages and Dialects in the U.S.
Author: Marianna Di Paolo
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2014-03-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1317916182

Languages and Dialects in the U.S. is a concise introduction to linguistic diversity in the U.S. for students with little to no background in linguistics. The goal of the editors of this collection of fourteen chapters, written by leading experts on the language varieties discussed, is to offer students detailed insight into the languages they speak or hear around them, grounded in comprehensive coverage of the linguistic systems underpinning them. The book begins with "setting the stage" chapters, introducing the sociocultural context of the languages and dialects featured in the book. The remaining chapters are each devoted to particular U.S. dialects and varieties of American English, each with problem sets and suggested further readings to reinforce basic concepts and new linguistic terminology and to encourage further study of the languages and dialects covered. By presenting students with both the linguistic and social, cultural, and political foundations of these particular dialects and variations of English, Languages and Dialects in the U.S. is the ideal text for students interested in linguistic diversity in the U.S., in introductory courses in sociolinguistics, language and culture, and language variation and change.

Language Diversity and Thought

Language Diversity and Thought
Author: John A. Lucy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 350
Release: 1992-07-02
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780521387972

An examination of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis on the relationship between grammar and thought.

Language Diversity and Education

Language Diversity and Education
Author: David Corson
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 333
Release: 2000-10-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1135662983

This introductory text for students of linguistics, language, and education provides background and up-to-date information and resources that beginning researchers need for studying language diversity and education. Three framing chapters offer an update on the philosophy of social research, revealing how important language is for all the processes of learning in which humans engage, whether it is learning about the world through education, or learning about the nature of social life through research in the human sciences. These chapters also review the links between language, power, and social justice, and look at dynamic changes occurring in "language diversity and education" research. Four central chapters give state-of-the-art, comprehensive coverage to the chief areas of language diversity that affect the practice of education: standard and non-standard varieties; different cultural discourse norms; bilingual and ESL education; and gendered discourse norms. This book is intended for graduate students of applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, the social psychology of language, anthropological linguistics, and other related disciplines; and graduate students of education, including in-service teachers taking advanced professional development courses. Special features enhance its usefulness as a text for courses in these areas: * A clear, jargon free writing style invites careful reading. * All ideas are well within the range that graduate students in the language disciplines or in education can relate to their work, but theoretical ideas are kept to a necessary minimum and linked with practical examples in every case. * Extensive references guide readers to the book's up-to-date, international, and cross-cultural bibliography. * "Discussion Starter" questions at the end of each chapter highlight key points and stimulate informed, reflective discussion.

Language and Linguistic Diversity in the US

Language and Linguistic Diversity in the US
Author: Susan Tamasi
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2014-12-02
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1136579052

This highly engaging textbook presents a linguistic view of the history, society, and culture of the United States. It discusses the many languages and forms of language that have been used in the US – including standard and nonstandard forms of English, creoles, Native American languages, and immigrant languages from across the globe – and shows how this distribution and diversity of languages has helped shape and define America as well as an American identity. The volume introduces the basic concepts of sociolinguistics and the politics of language through cohesive, up-to-date and accessible coverage of such key topics as dialectal development and the role of English as the majority language, controversies concerning language use in society, languages other than English used in the US, and the policies that have directly or indirectly influenced language use. These topics are presented in such a way that students can examine the inherent diversity of the communicative systems used in the United States as both a form of cultural enrichment and as the basis for socio-political conflict. The author team outlines the different viewpoints on contemporary issues surrounding language in the US and contextualizes these issues within linguistic facts, to help students think critically and formulate logical discussions. To provide opportunities for further examination and debate, chapters are organized around key misconceptions or questions ("I don't have an accent" or "Immigrants don't want to learn English"), bringing them to the forefront for readers to address directly. Language and Linguistic Diversity in the US is a fresh and unique take on a widely taught topic. It is ideal for students from a variety of disciplines or with no prior knowledge of the field, and a useful text for introductory courses on language in the US, American English, language variation, language ideology, and sociolinguistics.

Language Diversity in the Classroom

Language Diversity in the Classroom
Author: Geneva Smitherman
Publisher: SIU Press
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2003-11-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 0809388995

It’s no secret that, in most American classrooms, students are expected to master standardized American English and the conventions of Edited American English if they wish to succeed. Language Diversity in the Classroom: From Intention to Practice works to realign these conceptions through a series of provocative yet evenhanded essays that explore the ways we have enacted and continue to enact our beliefs in the integrity of the many languages and Englishes that arise both in the classroom and in professional communities. Edited by Geneva Smitherman and Victor Villanueva, the collection was motivated by a survey project on language awareness commissioned by the National Council of Teachers of English and the Conference on College Composition and Communication. All actively involved in supporting diversity in education, the contributors address the major issues inherent in linguistically diverse classrooms: language and racism, language and nationalism, and the challenges in teaching writing while respecting and celebrating students’ own languages. Offering historical and pedagogical perspectives on language awareness and language diversity, the essays reveal the nationalism implicit in the concept of a “standard English,” advocate alternative training and teaching practices for instructors at all levels, and promote the respect and importance of the country’s diverse dialects, languages, and literatures. Contributors include Geneva Smitherman, Victor Villanueva, Elaine Richardson, Victoria Cliett, Arnetha F. Ball, Rashidah Jammi` Muhammad, Kim Brian Lovejoy, Gail Y. Okawa, Jan Swearingen, and Dave Pruett. The volume also includes a foreword by Suresh Canagarajah and a substantial bibliography of resources about bilingualism and language diversity.

Celebrating Diversity Through Language Study

Celebrating Diversity Through Language Study
Author: Jen McCreight
Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2016
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9780325077895

What is language study? Jen McCreight introduces us to a new approach to grammar study, a subject area all too often taught without students and their unique backgrounds in mind. In today's linguistically diverse classrooms, she argues that a more personal approach to grammar is necessary if we want to reach every learner. "By linking language study to children's' backgrounds," she writes, "and by empowering teachers, students, and families to become actively engaged in this work, the disconnect so many children feel from school will begin to shrink." Language study is a student-centered approach to grammar study, with two primary components: - teaching students how to negotiate the language they use based on context - building on background knowledge to make the study of words relevant for all children. Used either exclusively or embedded into an existing grammar curriculum, Jen's step-by-step language study plan brings children's home and school language together for more authentic grammar lessons that help students begin to view their own unique backgrounds as important and connected to the study of words. With examples from 1st and 3rd grade classrooms, activities, tools, and project ideas that bring grammar to life, Celebrating Diversity Through Language Study promises a more culturally sensitive approach to grammar that will help all children thrive.