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This revised and updated handbook brings together methodological, theoretical, and empirical studies in the economics of language. With contributions from leading researchers, it examines the impact of linguistic diversity on economic outcomes and public policies. The interdependence of language and culture is highlighted through an analysis of the evolution of different languages and the economic consequences of linguistic diversity, as well as the impact of language on consumer behavior and the creation of gendered economic structures. Particularly attention is given to the impact of languages on macroeconomics, including the relationship between language and trade, and language and migrations. The challenge of globalization to minority languages and the growth of multilingual societies is also discussed, alongside the specific dynamics between economics and language at a regional level. It also addresses new developments in LLM (large language models).
This book offers a detailed and original look at the role language plays within international and local economic systems. It will be of interest to students and researchers interested in the economics of language.
List of contents
Part I. Linguistic Diversity: Origins and Measurement.- 1. Whorfian Economics.- 2. Dynamic Models of Language Evolution: The Linguistic Perspective.- 3. Dynamic Models of Language Survival and Language Death: The Economic Perspective.- 4. The Role of Linguistic Diversity in Economics.- 5. Axiomatic Approach to Measuring the Value of Languages.- Part II. Languages and Economic Decisions.- 6. Partial Language Acquisition: The Impact of Conformity.- 7. Gender Differences in Language Skills and Wage Disparities.- 8. Large Language Models in Economics.- 9. Language in the Marketplace.- Part III. The Macroeconomic Impact of Languages.- 10. Language Policy and Socioeconomic Outcomes.- 11. Common Spoken Languages and International Trade.- 12. Language and Migration.- 13. Language as a Macro-Level Driver of International Student Mobility.- Part IV. Linguistic Globalization.- 14. Translation: Economic and Sociological Perspectives.- 15. Challenges of Minority Languages.- 16. Minority-Languages Rights: Rational Policy Based on Welfare Economics.- Part V. Languages: Regional Challenges.- 17. Language Choices: Political and Economic Factors in France and Spain.- 18. Linguistic Policies in the Post-Brexit European Union.- 19. Local Cadres, Dialects & Economic Performance in China.- 20. Language Diversity and Economic consequences in India.- 21. A Lingua Franca for Kurdish Populations.- 22. Linguistic Policies and Economic Development in Russia: A Historical Perspective.
About the author
Shlomo Weber is the Founding Dean at the School of Humanities, Natural and Social Sciences, New Uzbekistan University, Uzbekistan, and Professor Emeritus at the Southern Methodist University, USA.
Victor Ginsburgh is Honorary Professor of Economics at the University of Brussels, Belgium.
Summary
This revised and updated handbook brings together methodological, theoretical, and empirical studies in the economics of language. With contributions from leading researchers, it examines the impact of linguistic diversity on economic outcomes and public policies. The interdependence of language and culture is highlighted through an analysis of the evolution of different languages and the economic consequences of linguistic diversity, as well as the impact of language on consumer behavior and the creation of gendered economic structures. Particularly attention is given to the impact of languages on macroeconomics, including the relationship between language and trade, and language and migrations. The challenge of globalization to minority languages and the growth of multilingual societies is also discussed, alongside the specific dynamics between economics and language at a regional level. It also addresses new developments in LLM (large language models).
This book offers a detailed and original look at the role language plays within international and local economic systems. It will be of interest to students and researchers interested in the economics of language.
