Multilingualism and the Periphery

Multilingualism and the Periphery is an edited volume that explores the ways in which core-periphery dynamics shape multilingualism. The research focuses on peripheral sites, which are defined by a relationship-be it geographic, political, economic etc.-to some perceived centre. Viewing multilingualism through the lens of core-periphery dynamics allows the contributors to highlight language ideological tensions with regard to language boundary-making, languageownership, commodification and authenticity, as well as the ways in which speakers seek novel solutions in adapting their linguistic resources to new situations and thereby develop innovative language practices. Since the core-periphery relationship is never fixed, but instead constantly renegotiated andmutually constitutive, the essays in the volume are particularly concerned with processes of peripheralization and of centralization. The volume includes ten essays by leading scholars in the field, and introductory and concluding remarks by the volume editors.

Sari Pietikäinen is Professor of Languages at the University of Jyväskylä.Helen Kelly-Holmes is Lecturer in Sociolinguistics at the University of Limerick.