Challenging the Monolingual Mindset

Edited by: John Hajek, Yvette Slaughter

Format:
Paperback
Related Formats:
Hardback, Ebook(PDF), Ebook(EPUB)
ISBN:
9781783092505
Published:
Publisher:
Multilingual Matters
Number of pages:
272
Dimensions:
234mm x 156mm
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This volume illustrates the distinctive and interconnected use of languages in increasingly diversified communities, examining a range of multilingual contexts, including post-migration settlement, language policy, education, language contact and intercultural communication. With contributions from researchers in Australia, Europe and Asia, the book discusses the opportunities and tensions that can emerge when societies attempt to manage and understand multilingual communication within and across communities. Reflecting the ideas of Professor Michael Clyne, the volume makes clear how ongoing research across a broad range of topics can assist in challenging the monolingual mindset by bringing to the attention of readers the rich linguistic diversity, as well as linguistic potential, of our communities around the world.

The book is a tribute to the legacy of Michael Clyne, researcher and advocate of multilingualism in Australia and abroad over a lifetime, and source of lasting inspiration for his many colleagues around the world, including those who contributed to this book with case studies across Australia, Europe and Asia. Australia has been a continent of immigration for many people and newborn generations with a wide spectrum of European roots. In its turn, this book will function as a rich source of learning and inspiration for many interested researchers and students who have witnessed and experienced the passage of Europe from a continent of emigration to immigration.

A wonderful book dedicated to the memory of Professor Michael Clyne who contributed so much to sociolinguistics and to multilingualism in Australia and in the world. The papers focus on the 'monolingual mindset' – an attitude that is so prevalent in many nations but gets challenged by migration, economic globalization and immigration. This collection provides a profound overview about various aspects of this type of mindset and the effects on language and society.

This volume illustrates in a unique way the breadth of influence of Michael Clyne to whom it is dedicated. This is reflected in a wide range of exceptional studies in the field of multilingualism from what can be called 'The Melbourne School'. Reaching from language use and policy in the international contexts and challenges of language maintenance, transmission and intercultural communication to multilingualism in the educational system, this book sets landmarks for future research.

Challenging the Monolingual Mindset serves as a fascinating exemplification of Clyne's eclectic philosophy and introduces readers to a range of issues relating to the topic of multilingualism within international and Australian contexts. This renders it a compelling read for scholars and students from a variety of backgrounds including those interested in language policy, the status of multilingualism in various locales, language maintenance, and the rise of global English.

LINGUIST List 26.2474 (2015)

Challenging the monolingual mindset is a thoughtful volume that highlights the universality of a language ideology that has influenced the way linguistic diversity and multilingualism has been viewed and addressed in education, language policy and everyday communication. This book is a highly enjoyable and engaging read. It is a notable contribution to the emerging body of research that has been influenced by the pioneering ideas of the late Professor Michael Clyne. This book is a worthy dedication to a remarkable and inspirational academic whose ideas and passion for linguistics hopefully continue to shape emerging research.

Multilingua 2015

John Hajek is Professor of Italian and Director of the Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross-cultural Communication (RUMACCC) in the School of Languages and Linguistics at The University of Melbourne. He is also founding president of the Languages and Cultures Network for Australian Universities (LCNAU).

Yvette Slaughter is a Research Fellow in the Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross- Cultural Communication (RUMACCC) in the School of Languages and Linguistics at The University of Melbourne. Her research interests include language policy, language education (policy and implementation), bilingual education and sociolinguistics.

Yvette Slaughter and John Hajek: Introduction

Part 1: Language Use and Policy in the International Context

1. Catrin Norrby: English in Scandinavia – Monster or Mate? Sweden as a Case Study

2. Francesco Cavallaro and Ng Bee Chin: Language in Singapore: From Multilingualism to English Plus

3. Farzad Sharifian: English as an International Language: A Multilingual and Pluricentric Perspective

4. Doris Schüpbach: German or Swiss? Address and other Routinised Formulas in German-speaking Switzerland

5. Heinz L Kretzenbacher, Michael Clyne†, John Hajek, Catrin Norrby and Jane Warren: Meet and Greet: Nominal Address and Introductions in Intercultural Communication at International Conferences

Part 2: Immigrant Languages in Australia: Understanding and Advancing Multilingualism

6. Marisa Cordella and Hui Huang: L1 and L2 Chinese, German and Spanish Speakers in Action: Stancetaking in Intergenerational and Intercultural Encounters

7. Simon Musgrave and John Hajek: Linguistic Diversity and Early Language Maintenance Efforts in a Recent Migrant Community in Australia: Sudanese Languages, their Speakers and the Challenge of Engagement

8. Jim Hlavac: Language Maintenance and Sociolinguistic Continuity amongst two groups of First-Generation Speakers: Macedonians from Aegean Macedonia and the Republic Of Macedonia

9. Louisa Willoughby: The Role of Professional Advice in Shaping Language Choice in Migrant Background Families with Deaf Children

Part 3: Language Policy and Education as Tools for Change in Australia

10. Howard Nicholas: Losing Bilingualism while Promoting Second Language Acquisition in Australian Language Policy

11. Yvette Slaughter and John Hajek: Mainstreaming of Italian in Australian Schools: The Paradox of Success?

12. Margaret Gearon: Understanding the Role of Professional Development and Influences on Teacher Practice: An Australian Case Study of Community Languages Teachers

13. Colin Nettelbeck: 'A Somewhat Disconcerting Truth': The Perils of Monolingualism as seen through the Early Years of the RAAF School of Languages

14. Averil Grieve: 'Die Erfüllung eines Traums': Challenging the Monolingual Mindset through the Establishment of an Early Immersion Language Programme

Postgraduate, Research / Professional
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