New Books Network Radio ReOrient 13.7: "Linguistics, Citizenship and Belonging,” with Kamran Khan, hosted by Claudia Radiven and Marchella Ward
Nov 28, 2025
In a thought-provoking chat, Kamran Khan, an associate professor and director of the MOSAIC Research Group, dives into the intricate ties between language, citizenship, and belonging in the UK. He discusses the implications of the 1981 British Nationality Act and how language tests shape perceptions of legitimate speakers. The conversation also highlights the controversial PREVENT policy, which misinterprets everyday language as signs of extremism. Ultimately, Khan emphasizes the role of language as both a tool of oppression and resistance, calling for linguistic justice.
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English As A Gatekeeper
- Kamran Khan argues English functions as a political gatekeeper shaping who belongs in Britain.
- Language policy like tests and requirements mark citizenship as conditional, not automatic.
Language Perception Is Racialized
- Perceptions of who 'legitimately' speaks a language are racially coded and historically rooted.
- Khan links these perceptions to security measures like PREVENT, which monitor linguistic signs as risk markers.
2001 Riots To Language Policy
- Khan recalls the 2001 riots and Cantor's 'parallel lives' diagnosis where language deficit was blamed for division.
- He links that moment to post-9/11 securitization and subsequent English-language interventions.
