Language and Identity

(4 Credits)

What is the relationship between language and identity in societies that are multicultural, rapidly changing as a result of population flows, or seeking to differentiate themselves from other countries? Every country has a national language that encapsulates its unique history and culture. While many have more than one national language, others give pride of place to only one "national" language. Exploring interactions between languages spoken within countries (e.g., national, co-official, indigenous, minority, foreign languages) this course asks how individuals and societies preserve and promote linguistic identities while aiming to maintain social cohesion and national identity. Questions driving this inquiry include: What is the right balance between linguistic diversity and national unity? What are the challenges of multilingualism? Of global English? How should governments approach these issues from a policy standpoint? Can education systems handle the mandate to protect and promote linguistic identities? Students will reflect upon their own language trajectories and will research how a country or region of their choosing has tackled these challenges.