Language and the Law
Linguistic Inequality in America

A comprehensive overview of the political and legal consequences of linguistic inequality in the United States.

Douglas A. Kibbee (Author)

9781107623118, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 July 2016

240 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.36 kg

'Language and the Law examines a fascinating and promising area of research on the ways in which linguistic differences undermine some of the core promises of the US legal system.' Choice

Language policy is a topic of growing importance around the world, as issues such as the recognition of linguistic diversity, the establishment of official languages, the status of languages in educational systems, the status of heritage and minority languages, and speakers' legal rights have come increasingly to the forefront. One fifth of the American population do not speak English as their first language. While race, gender and religious discrimination are recognized as illegal, the US does not currently accord the same protections regarding language; discrimination on the basis of language is accepted, and even promoted, in the name of unity and efficiency. Setting language within the context of America's history, this book explores the diverse range of linguistic inequalities, covering voting, criminal and civil justice, education, government and public services, and the workplace, and considers how linguistic differences challenge our fundamental ideals of democracy, justice and fairness.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Equality, liberty, and fairness in America
2. Language and democracy
3. Language in the legal system
4. Language and education
5. Government, public services and the English-only movement
6. Language in the workplace
7. Conclusions
Bibliography
Index of court cases
Index of names
General index.

Subject Areas: Criminology: legal aspects [LAR], Sociolinguistics [CFB], Linguistics [CF], Language [C]