Linguistic injustice and inequality in the public domain
6th-7th March 2025
University of Stirling
Globally, monolingual approaches to language can restrict the ability for people to engage with services and institutions. This conference brings together those interested in the link between linguistic justice and inequality in public life.
Colonial and imperialist ideologies played a significant role in the spread of Eurocentric conceptualisations of language, in which monolingualism is viewed as the norm and most efficient way of communicating (Errington, 2001; Ndhlovu & Makalela, 2021). These colonial histories continue to exert significant impact on how language is treated across the world and can restrict individuals’ access to resources and opportunities (Meighan, 2021). These monolingual approaches are often discriminatory and lead to linguistic injustice, where individuals and communities are discriminated against and disadvantaged due to their language repertoire(s). In multilingual contexts, whether this is at a national or community level, a monolingual bias can lead to people being unable to effectively engage with health, education, political and economic systems.
The goal of the conference is to bring together an interdisciplinary focus on linguistic injustice and inequality, and to highlight new research looking at issues related to language, injustice and inequality. The conference will examine the ways in which individuals and communities are discriminated against due to their language use and repertoires. Participants will explore practical steps which must be taken to move towards linguistic justice and the provision of accessible, equitable systems and services in the public domain.
The conference focuses on experiences of linguistic injustice and inequality in public life from a range of perspectives (a range of domains, and academic disciplines), language modalities (signed and spoken languages) and geographical contexts (‘Global North’ and ‘Global South’).
The key aims of this conference are to:
- Highlight how linguistic injustice manifests in contemporary society, comparing similarities and differences between different public domains and various contexts, such as geography, identity and language modality
- Discuss how colonialist ideals of monolingualism impact language around the world, and identify practical steps towards decolonisation
- Examine the links between linguistic discrimination and other forms of marginalisation and inequality such as those stemming from racism, classism, and ableism
- Help to identify ways forward to improve access to institutions, systems, and services
Invited contributors
Prof Rajendra Chetty, Dr Tracey Costley, Dr Hilaria Cruz, Dr Zakeera Docrat, Prof Hannah Gibson, Prof Raquel de Pedro Ricoy, Prof Nancy Kula, Dr Beatrice Owiti, Prof Susanne Mohr, Dr Savithry Namboodiripad, Dr Natalia Rodriguez Vicente
Format
The conference will be run in a hybrid format (both online and in-person at the University of Stirling). The conference will be structured around thematic sessions featuring mini presentations of 5-10 minutes, presentations from invited contributors, and time for discussion and exchange. Interpreting between English and BSL will be provided throughout the conference.
Abstracts are invited for mini presentations of 5-10 minutes to contribute to one of the following four thematic sessions:
Session 1 – Linguistic Justice in Health and Law
Session 2 – Education and Livelihoods
Session 3 – Decolonisation: Moving beyond a monolingual Western model
Session 4 – Language Rights, Access and Revitalisation
Abstracts are invited from academics and practitioners from any disciplinary or professional background which address the broader issue of linguistic injustice. If you would like to submit an abstract which is not covered by any of these thematic areas, please get in touch. We are open to including additional themes in the conference programme.
This conference is organised during UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) which ‘aims at ensuring indigenous peoples’ right to preserve, revitalise and promote their languages’ and to ‘mainstreaming linguistic diversity and multilingualism aspects into the sustainable development efforts’.
Abstract submission information
300-word abstracts
Please note which thematic area your abstract relates to
Please submit your abstracts using this form
Key dates
Abstract submission deadline: 31st October 2024
Notification of acceptance: 15th November 2024
Registration deadline: 31st December 2024
Conference: 6th-7th March 2025
Registration
Registration will open in late 2024
In-person attendance: £50
Concession (student, unwaged, precariously employed) & online attendance: Free
If you have any questions, please email Colin Reilly – c.f.reilly1@stir.ac.uk
Information on travel and accommodation will be updated shortly.
We would like to thank the British Academy for awarding a British Academy Conference Grant BAC24\240230 to enable us to host this conference.
Bringing the outside in 