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New Books in Language

What Does It Mean to Govern a Multilingual Society Well?

Feb 22, 2024
This podcast explores the importance of good governance in linguistically diverse cities, challenging the perception of linguistic diversity as a problem. The conversation addresses the significance of governance in multilingual urban environments, investigates communication failures during the Covid-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the role of multilingual communication in addressing disparities. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities of multilingual communication practices within government websites, and discusses the significance of genuine inclusion and indigenous language renewal in building an imagined community.
32:50

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Linguistic diversity should be viewed positively, not as a problem, in governance of multilingual cities.
  • Effective multilingual communication is crucial for public health outcomes and social inclusion, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deep dives

Importance of Urban Multilingualism

Dr. Alexandra Gray emphasizes the importance of studying urban multilingualism in Australia due to the diverse linguistic landscape in the country. She highlights how Australia has a long history of being a multilingual society with speakers of various languages, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, migrant languages, and different varieties of English. Dr. Gray's background in law and linguistics drives her interest in how governments respond to linguistic diversity and the need for effective governance strategies.

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