Language, Society, and Identity

by John R. Edwards

Making use of examples from around the world, the book considers the rise of linguistic nationalism, and the ways in which the assumption of a strong language-identity link has led to attempts to fortify and protect languages. Considerable attention is also given to the real-life mechanics of language maintenance and shift, and the psychological evidence bearing on language attitudes and behaviour.

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 1985

About the author

John Edwards teaches in the Department of Psychology at St Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada.