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This edited book explores stories of linguistic and spiritual identity in the urban and rural Australian landscape. It is an innovative mix of thirty six personal narratives and eleven research studies, which together offer accounts of the intersection of languages, religion and spirituality in people's lives. Teachers of Indigenous languages speak of the critical connection between language revitalization, the spirituality of Country, and well-being. Both new and long-established diaspora individuals speak of the often complex but vital joint role of language and faith in belonging and heritage. The new dimension which the book brings to multilingualism is relevant to all complex global societies. Language and Spirit is ideal for both the general reader interested in community languages and interfaith issues, and academics in global intercultural studies and Applied Linguistics study wishing to gain a nuanced insight into the Language and Spirit intersection.
List of contents
1. Introduction: Language, Identity And Spirituality, Robyn Moloney And Father Shenouda Mansour.- 2. Narratives: Living Spirituality On Country, Aunty Louise Campbell.- 3. Narratives: Living Faiths Buddhism And Christianity, Father Shenouda Mansour.- 4. Narratives: Living Faiths Hindu, Islam, Judaism, Father Shenouda Mansour.- 5. Narratives: Front Line Teaching Language And Spirit, Robyn Moloney.- 6. Aboriginal Spirituality Within The Context Of Riddim & Poetry: A Creative School Program, Devrim Yilmaz And Michael Jarrett.- 7. Many Members, One Body: A Multilingual Church In Central Australia, David Moore.- 8. Why Should We Sing To The Sharks? Language Reclamation And Indigenous Wellbeing, Ghil'ad Zuckerman.- 9. Multilingualism And Religion In A Multicultural Australia, James Forrest.- 10. A Framework For The Revitalisation Of Coptic Language In The 21st Century, Father Shenouda Mansour And Ounas Gerges.- 11. Language And Religion In The Lives Of Two Transnational Sojourners, Lisa Gilanyi.- 12. Hakha Chin Language In Melbourne: A Marker Of Cultural And Spiritual Identity, Salai Biak Za Lian Ching, Dr Alistair Welsh, Dr Ramon Lopez Castellano.- 13. Christian Bilingual Practices And Hybrid Identities As Vehicles Of Migrant Integration, Yining Wang And Ingrid Pillar.- 14. The Intersection Of Hebrew, Judaism And Jewish Spirituality, Zehavit Gross And Suzanne Rutland.- 15. The Impact Of Learning Language And Culture On Adolescents' Identity Formation, Enculturation And Socialisation: A Case Study Of A Pluralistic Faith-Based School, Yona Gilead.- 16. Journey Into Indian Spirituality: A Westerner Perspective, Chantal Crozet.- 17. Some Final Words On Languages And Religion: Peacebuilding, Personal Reflections And Professional Problems, Joseph Lo Bianco.
About the author
Robyn Moloney is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, Australia. Formerly a language teacher in schools she became a language teacher educator and researcher. Her many book and journal publications cover personal development in learners and teachers through language learning. She currently works in supporting teacher intercultural development.
Shenouda Mansour is a Priest of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Australia. His research has investigated attitudes to identity and language in a Coptic school. He is the General Secretary of NSW Ecumenical Council, a body which enables churches to deepen their Christian unity. He is the director of Coptic Orthodox Community Outreach Service and is a radio program producer. He has a passion for building a cohesive society through interfaith understanding and breaking barriers.
