Multilingualism: the case for a new research focus

Abstract

We have been taught and have taught for decades, that language is not set in concrete, that it is not immutable, that it is in constant flux and that it changes over time and space. Yet, when it comes to multilingualism, the focus seems to be solely on the threats to its diversity and maintenance, rather than on its ever-changing dynamics. This article aims to offer an analytical perspective on multilingualism as an evolving process, with new language combinations within individual language repertoires and the language profiles of speech communities and polities across generations and around the world.

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