David Gramling Knihy

This book asks how we-as citizens, immigrants, activists, teachers-can counter the abuse of language in our midst.

Exploring the tension between monolingualism and the richness of literature, this book challenges the notion that speaking only one language is sufficient. It emphasizes the value of linguistic diversity and the insights that come from engaging with multiple languages and cultures. Through a blend of critical analysis and literary examples, the author advocates for the transformative power of literature in fostering understanding and connection across different linguistic backgrounds.

The first book in the humanities and social sciences to offer an extensive conceptual definition of monolingualism, based on literary, applied- linguistic, technological, and translational examples.

This fascinating book explores how we reason about the value and status of multilingualism today, where we do so, and in relation to which persons, communities, and languages. The critical approach to multilingualism that this book traces is one that openly intends to strengthen the usability of this visionary concept.