A Critical Examination of Language and Community

A Critical Examination of Language and Community is the sixth volume of the Readings in Language Studies series published by the International Society for Language Studies, Inc. Edited by Paul Chamness Miller, Brian G. Rubrecht, Erin A. Mikulec, and Cu-Hullan Tsuyoshi McGivern, volume six sustains the society's mission to organize and disseminate the work of its contributing members through peer-reviewed publications.

The book presents international perspectives on language and community through a variety of themes. A resource for scholars and students, A Critical Examination of Language and Community represents the latest scholarship in new and emergent areas of inquiry. Readings in Language Studies, Volume 6: A Critical Examination of Language and Community features international contributions that represent state-of-the-field reviews, multi-disciplinary perspectives, theory-driven syntheses of current scholarship, reports of new empirical research, and criti- cal discussions of major topics centered on the intersection of language and community.

Consistent with the mission of ISLS, the collection of 14 chapters in this volume seeks to 'bridge arbitrary disciplinary territories and provide a forum for both theoretical and empirical research, from existing and emergent research methodologies, for exploring the relationships among language, power, discourses, and social practices.'

"This precious book speaks volumes about the spaces language learners struggle to navigate in pursuit of their dreams of belonging to more than their home communities in a globalizing world. Contributions focus on contested territories, conflicting policies and practices, and marginalized populations across the globe. The authors examine the importance of language and understanding, the nuances of the obstacles in the way of achieving recognition, membership, and self-realization, and suggest paths to resolution relevant for both teachers and learners." Peter McCagg, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs Akita International University Akita, Japan "Readings in Language Studies, Vol. 6, takes a deep dive into dimensions of language-based problems and opportunities in communities. The volume is a valuable resource for scholars and students seeking the most current research around these topics." John L. Watzke, Ph.D. Dean and Professor School of Education University of Portland "This volume examines not only the processes of language acquisition but considers also the changes language proficiency generates in terms of behaviour, belief, social and cultural identity, and political agency. It takes the reader from the classroom into the community, the campus, the workplace and even into the apparatus of totalitarian regimes, providing a valuable resource for language practitioners interested in language and community issues." Susan K. Burton, Ph.D.