Rethinking the principle of linguistic homogeneity in the age of superdiversity

Abstract

This chapter discusses how the principle of linguistic homogeneity, articulated by Herder and his German Romantic colleagues, has subsequently become a defining characteristic of modern nation-state organization. The chapter explores the consequences of linguistic homogeneity and a related preoccupation with public monolingualism for linguistic minority groups, resulting, more often than not, in their linguistic—as well as wider social and political—marginalization. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the potentialities of two recent explanatory frameworks—superdiversity and complex diversity—as a basis for rethinking nation-states in more linguistically plural and inclusive ways.