Language Use in Southeast Asia: Present Realities and Future Trends

Chew, Shangeetha and Pillai offer valuable insights into the future of language use and development in Southeast Asia, one of the most diverse and culturally rich regions with differing socio-economic and political ecologies.

Through a rich tapestry of perspectives, the chapters provide an analysis of the current and future trajectories of language use; examining English's role as a lingua franca and its implications for communication across diverse communities. It also delves into the preservation and revitalisation of endangered Indigenous languages, shedding light on their cultural, environmental and societal importance. Additionally, the book explores how migration, internationalisation and technology are transforming linguistic practices and shaping language education. Readers will gain insights into how different forces are influencing communication, identity and societal development in a globalised world.

With each chapter offering in-depth case studies and research, it is an essential resource for academics and scholars of both sociolinguistics and Southeast Asian studies. It is also valuable to linguists, educators and policymakers who are engaged in the planning of language teaching and learning.

Shin Yi Chew is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.

R. K. Shangeetha is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.

Stefanie Pillai is a professor at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.