Linguistic Diversity

‘Diversity’ is often talked about as a disembodied concept, as something that exists but is unmeasurable, as a good that we need but cannot fully explain or study systematically. Linguistic Diversity explores diversity as it applies to languages in a systematic and concrete way, engaging with previous literature on the subject and introducing approaches to measuring and assessing it. Borrowing concepts and approaches from established diversity researchers in linguistics, anthropology, history, and biology, this textbook explores the breadth of linguistic diversity and draws data from up-to-date linguistic databases such as Glottolog and WALS, encouraging readers to engage with these resources critically. The book features interactive exercises designed to develop students' analytical skills and assess the limitations of the data at our disposal. Readers will not only gain an appreciation for the world's linguistic richness but also cultivate a critical perspective on how language diversity is studied and represented. This accessible guide provides a deeper understanding of the forces shaping linguistic diversity and a renewed commitment to safeguarding our collective linguistic ecosystem, as well as a helpful introduction for students studying this topic for the first time with no or little background in linguistics. It is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in sociolinguistics, language and society, comparative linguistics, and interdisciplinary programs exploring language and culture.