Linguistic Justice

Philippe Van Parijs. 31 Oct 2011

Launching the latest book of political philosopher Philippe Van Parijs, "Linguistic Justice for Europe and for the World"

In Europe and throughout the world, English is spreading at a speed never achieved by any language in human history. This growing dominance of English is frequently perceived and sometimes indignantly denounced as being grossly unjust. "Linguistic Justice for Europe and for the World" starts off arguing that the dissemination of a common lingua franca is a process to be welcomed, most fundamentally because it provides the struggle for greater justice in Europe and in the world with an essential weapon: a cheap medium of communication and of mobilization. However, the resulting linguistic situation can plausibly be regarded as unjust. Firstly, native speakers get a free ride by benefiting from the efforts of others. Secondly, they get greater opportunities as a result of English becoming a more valuable asset. Thirdly, such situation amounts to a lack of equal respect for the other languages with which people identify. Professor Van Parijs, one of the most original political philosophers of the day, will be discussing these and other issues, including policies that might help achieve linguistic justice and redress the distortions mentioned above, e.g. through the imposition of a linguistic tax or the banning of dubbing. Three prominent discussants will grill Professor Van Parijs, setting the stage for a debate that will no doubt be lively and thought-provoking. 

Program

Organised in conjunction with Belgian Embassy in London as part of the "Belgian Salons" Series.

The "Belgian Salons" are a series of events organized by the Belgian Embassy in London addressing issues of common interest in an innovative and critical perspective.

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