Abstract
This paper will consider the significance of recognising – and researching – the linguistic diversity within contemporary cities in Europe in particular, and other parts of the world more generally. It will argue that failure to take linguistic diversity – and linguistic identity – seriously has limited analysis, diagnosis, and prescription in urban planning and urban policy. Currently, a heightened attention to cultural difference, of which linguistic diversity is a central feature, is re-shaping the social fabric of cities of all sizes and in all parts of the world. This is reflected in new, or re-newed, forms of cultural identity, of cultural division in urban labour markets, of political mobilisation, of conflict and cohesion .These changes need to be better understood by urban policy and planning (and, indeed,by language planning). The paper is organised around four inter-related topics identified as key dimensions of current discussions of city life, its tensions and potential: • identity and the city • citizenship • sustainable diversity and social cohesion • urban governance, policy and planning
Published Version
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