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This updated and revised edition of Hamers and Blancs successful textbook presents state-of-the-art knowledge about languages in contact from individual bilingualism (or bilinguality) to societal bilingualism. It is both multi- and interdisciplinary in approach, and analyses bilingualism at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels. Linguistic, cognitive and sociocultural aspects of bilingual development are explored, as are problems such as bilingual memory and polyglot aphasia. Hamers and Blanc analyse the relationship between culture, identity, and language behaviour in multicultural settings, as well as the communication strategies in interpersonal and intergroup relations. They also propose theoretical models of language processing and development, which are then applied to bilingual behaviour. Other topics reviewed include language shift, pidgins and creoles, language planning and bilingual education. This book will be invaluable to students, teachers and scholars interested in languages in contact in a range of disciplines including psycholinguistics, linguistics, the social sciences, education and language planning.
List of contents
Foreword to the second edition; Preface; Introduction; 1. Definitions and guiding principles; 2. Dimensions and measurement of bilinguality and bilingualism; 3. The ontogenesis of bilinguality; 4. Bilinguality: cognitive development and the sociocultural context; 5. The social and psychological foundations of bilinguality; 6. Bilinguality: neuropsychological foundations; 7. Information processing in the bilingual; 8. Social psychological aspects of bilinguality: culture and identity; 9. Social psychological aspects of bilinguality: intercultural communication; 10. Societal bilingualism, intergroup relations and sociolinguistic variations; 11. Bilingual education; Conclusion; Notes; Glossary; References; Subject index; Author index.
Summary
This updated and revised edition presents new knowledge about languages in contact, ranging from individual bilinguality to societal bilingualism. It covers topics such as the relationship between culture, identity, and language behaviour in multicultural settings; communication strategies; language shift; pidgins and creoles; language planning; and bilingual education.
