Language, Ethnicity, and Nationalism

3 units

This course will explore the possible relationships between language, ethnicity, and nationalism, using theoretical readings and a consideration of particular examples. We will first discuss the relationship between language and ethnicity in the development of national languages and cultures, considering the role of factors such as colonialism, language standardization and print media, religious languages, and ideologies of national boundaries. Further topics will include the situations of ethnic and linguistic minorities in nation-states, ethnolinguistic separatist movements, pidgins and creoles, and the spread of world languages. Prerequisite: Anthro 2151 or permission of instructor.