Current Approaches to Language Ideology and Metalinguistic Discourse

This collection brings together research on cutting-edge developments at the intersection of language ideology and metalinguistic discourse, showcasing the potential of diverse approaches.

With interest in language ideology and metalinguistic discourse growing, numerous qualitative and quantitative approaches have been established but have often resulted in a siloing of methods. Despite methodological advances, research on language ideology and metalinguistic discourse often relies on either qualitative methods (e.g., ethnography, content analysis) or traditional corpus linguistic techniques (e.g., concordance, collocation), with limited overlap between these “camps,” a division which has hindered a comprehensive understanding of the field. The book makes the case for bridging this gap by exploring the overlap between different approaches, demonstrating the nuanced insights a mixed methods perspective can provide. Featuring a wide range of applications across domains such as education, policy, minorities, traditional and social media, popular culture, and literature, the volume highlights the potential of integrating diverse methods. An afterword by Tommaso Milani ties these strands together, offering a forward-looking view of the field and potential directions for further research.

This book will appeal to students and scholars in applied linguistics, language and education, and sociolinguistics.

Adnan Ajšić is Associate Professor of English at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Rachelle Vessey is Assistant Professor in the School of Linguistics and Language studies at Carleton University, Canada.