Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity: Disciplinary and Regional Perspectives (Volume 1) Paperback 2

A. Joshua Fishman

This volume argues that language, ethnicity, and identity are defined by the circumstances under which they are created. The foundational chapter by Joshua A. Fishman describes how language, ethnicity, and identity are variable and changeable. The essays in the first part of the Handbook view language and ethnic identity through the lenses of sociolinguistics, psychology, anthropology, politics, and economics. These essays address important topics such as diasporic languages, language and ethnic identity near state borders, and the education of Indigenous peoples, language minorities, and the Deaf. The second part of the Handbook views language and ethnic identity through a regional perspective, embarking on a journey through Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific. Drawing on both historical and up-to-date accounts, these chapters examine the relationship between constructions of language and ethnic identity and constructions of nation-states. Although the volume offers considerable sophistication in the treatment of language, ethnicity and identity, it has been written for the non-specialized reader, whether student or layperson. Written by well-known scholars in their fields, the contributions offer a list of reference to steer readers to crucial further readings, as well as questions for further reflection and inquiry.

9780195374926

English

Oxford University Press, USA

19-05-2010

584

Joshua A. Fishman is Distinguished University Research Professor of Social Sciences, Emeritus, Yeshiva University Ofelia Garcia is Professor of Urban Education, The Graduate Center at CUNY

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Contributors; Preface Joshua A. Fishman And Ofelia Garcia; Foundations; Sociolinguistics: Language And Ethnic Identity In Context Joshua A. Fishman; Part I Disciplinary, Methodological And Topical Approaches In The Study Of Language And Ethnic Identity; Disciplinary And Methodological Approaches; Topical Approaches; Part Ii Regional Perspectives In The Study Of Language And Ethnic Identity; Europe; The Americas; Africa And The Middle East; Asia And The Pacific; Conclusion; Languaging And Ethnifying; Ofelia Garcia