Shades of Decolonial Voices in Linguistics

Edited by Prof. Sinfree Makoni, Cristine Severo, Ashraf Abdelhay, Anna Kaiper-Marquez, Višnja Milojii

Publication date:

12 September 2023

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

245x174mm
7x10"

ISBN-13: 9781800418530

This book argues that Linguistics, in common with other disciplines such as Anthropology and Sociology, has been shaped by colonization. It outlines how linguistic practices may be decolonized, and the challenges which such decolonization poses to linguists working in diverse areas of Linguistics. It concludes that decolonization in Linguistics is an ongoing process with no definite end point and cannot be completely successful until universities and societies are decolonized too. In keeping with the subject matter, the book prioritizes discussion, debate and the collaborative, creative production of knowledge over individual authorship. Further, it mingles the voices of established authors from a variety of disciplines with audience comment and dialogue to produce a challenging and inspiring text that represents an important step along the path it attempts to map out.

I have been learning so much from the Global Virtual Forum that I eagerly anticipated reading this book. It did not disappoint. From its moving tribute to Atila Calvente to its polyglossic treatment of knowledge and the question of who has the warrant to legitimize it, this book is both informative and inspirational, summoning us all to join in decolonizing linguistics.