Description
In Europe and throughout the world, competence in English is spreading at a speed never achieved by any language in human history. This growing dominance of English is frequently perceived as being grossly unjust. This book is the first systematic treatment of the of the normative aspects of language policy and how this relates to justice.
a landmark publication
Aside from addressing a phenomenon the spread of English as a lingua franca that is increasingly global in scope, the questions of justice that Van Parijs raises are ones that not only political theorists but also governments of all nationalities should attend to. He also manages to provide a comprehensive theory of linguistic justice something that few others have so far attempted along with a rich and often illuminating factual discussion of how the use of English continues to spread, and how individuals' different native linguistic competencies mean that the benefits of this growth are enjoyed asymmetrically.[continued below]
Overall, the book is engaging and well written, and represents an insightful and dispassionate foray into a domain in which, as Van Parijs notes in his introduction, 'emotion often rules unbridled'. It is a welcome addition to the growing philosophical literature on language rights, and should be considered essential reading for theorists working in this field.
[This book] provides a broad yet incisive look at one of the most pressing issues of justice for the modern world. It is packed full of original and creative thought, and manages to successfully combine a comprehensive theoretical approach with a focus on practical issues and solutions. As such it will be a valuable and insightful resource for anybody with even the vaguest interest in the subject, and is sure to spark further debate as to what the requirements and entailments of linguistic justice should be.
Excellent analysis of a practice that, not unlike religion, cannot be treated neutrally.
van Parijs' book is a welcome addition to the literature. It brings to an anglophone readership a focus on a much-neglected subject, the issue of linguistic justice, and it explains the reactions of those who are in a disadvantaged position. It may contribute to puncturing the complacent egotism of English native speakers. it may help to convince anti-English lobbies that there are also positive spin-offs from linguistic globalisation. And, finally, it will provide those committed to promoting a transnational arena for deliberation and mobilisation with a fund of argument and evidence from which to draw as they develop their case.
Born in Brussels in 1951, Philippe Van Parijs holds doctorates in philosophy (Oxford) and the social sciences (Louvain). He is professor at the University of Louvain, where he has been directing the Hoover Chair of economic and social ethics since its creation in 1991. He has also been a Visiting Professor of philosophy at Harvard University since 2004 and at the Universiteit of Leuven since 2006. He is one of the founders of the Basic Income Earth Network and chairs its International Board.