Understanding Multilingualism
An Introduction
1. Auflage April 2025
240 Seiten, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Including detailed discussions of both the current state and future directions of the field, this comprehensive textbook presents a complete overview of multilingualism.
Written by internationally recognized researchers and educators, Understanding Multilingualism: An Introduction provides detailed coverage of the various dimensions of modern multilingualism. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the field by exploring the broad spectrum of different sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and neurocognitive approaches to the study of multilingualism.
The text begins by defining and clarifying the scope of multilingualism studies as a distinctive, interdisciplinary field of inquiry. Subsequent chapters discuss the historical development and theoretical models of multilingualism, how the brain processes multiple languages, the effect of multilingualism on human cognition, how multilingual processing changes over the human lifespan, societal management of multilingualism, multilingual education, and impact of technological advancement on multilingualism. The book concludes by addressing the prospect of a post-multilingual world and methodological issues in studying multilingualism.
* Considers the cognitive and linguistic implications of multilingualism to applied linguistics and language acquisition
* Examines the connections between multilingualism and changing socio-political and economic landscapes
* Reviews modern theories, methods, and research findings in multilingualism studies
* Discusses complex topics at both the individual and societal level
* Features numerous exercises, discussion questions, assignments, further readings, suggested research topics, and real-life case studies
Understanding Multilingualism: An Introduction is the perfect primary textbook for undergraduate courses in multilingualism and bilingualism, and an excellent resource for advanced students in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, second language acquisition, and foreign language education programs.
Chapter 2. Learning more than one language
Chapter 3. Psycholinguistic models of multilingualism
Chapter 4. The multilingual brain
Chapter 5. Cognitive effects of multilingualism
Chapter 6. Multilingualism across the lifespan
Chapter 7. Language attrition and maintenance
Chapter 8. Multilingual families and communities in society
Chapter 9. Multilingualism in education and policy
Chapter 10. Digital technology, media, & multilingualism
Chapter 11. Beyond multilingualism
Chapter 12. Researching multilingualism
-- Joseph Lo Bianco, Professor Emeritus, Language and Literacy, University of Melbourne, Australia
"This book is a crucial resource for researchers investigating the impact of multiple languages on individuals and societies. The breadth of topics covered is remarkable, encompassing the cognitive dimensions of multilingualism, its societal implications, its role in education and policy, and the effects of digital technology and media. The detailed discussion of diverse methodologies in multilingual studies is especially valuable, offering readers insights into the intricate research processes underlying the field's advancements."
--Maria Polinsky, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
ALINE FERREIRA is Associate Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
LI WEI is Director and Dean of the UCL Institute of Education and Professor at University College London, UK.
