You will focus on a number of case studies to examine the intersections of language, culture, identity and power in various national and regional contexts, noting the politicized nature of both individual and government decisions about language and its uses in the public and private spheres. You will use sociolinguistic theories to examine the dynamic nature of language in a globalised world, including new varieties and hybrids; the emergence of global languages as a means of international communication; and the subsequent threat to many indigenous and minority languages.

The course will focus on the competing interests of different language groups and different actors in contemporary debates about the role of language and in language policy and planning in national and supranational contexts.