Linguistic Justice and Public Policy

In recent decades we have witnessed an increase in international mobility and migration flows, a deepening of economic integration, the spread of information and communication technologies, but also a reassertion of the importance of national and local identity. As a result of these trends, the occasions of contact and therefore of potential conflict between languages and cultures have increased. The range of issues raised by linguistic diversity calls upon new solutions to manage and arbitrate conflict and integration. In other words, linguistic diversity cannot be left alone. This requires government involvement in the management of multilingualism through language policy. However, not all language policies are the same: some can contribute positively to solving language issues, while others can have negative effects, exacerbate tensions and inequalities, and create injustice.

The aim of the workshop is to discuss the concept of linguistic justice from an interdisciplinary perspective, to explore how language policy can contribute to creating or reducing situations of political, social and economic disadvantage for individuals in society, and how can we measure such disadvantage. The debate will benefit from contributions coming from different scientific areas, including economics, sociology, linguistics and normative political theory.

The event is organised by the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences of Ulster University with the kind support of Esperantic Studies Foundation (ESF) and the Centre for Public Administration.

The workshop is followed by a lecture by Prof. Andrew Shorten on “Immigration, Language and Disadvantage” on 26th March 6.00pm - 7.00pm in room BA-00-008, Ulster University, Belfast Campus.