Wer spricht Kanadisch?

More about the book

Canada is home to two official languages, English and French, alongside a rich tapestry of indigenous and immigrant languages. This volume showcases various aspects of Canada’s diverse linguistic landscape, particularly the intricate relationship between its official languages, which has historically threatened the survival of the Canadian Confederation. The contributions encompass linguistic, ethnological, psycholinguistic, and cultural perspectives, focusing on language policies, the current status of each language group, and their historical development. Additionally, the work includes a discussion on European migration languages and a comparison with Switzerland's language policy. The Canadian context is particularly intriguing, as it features two globally significant languages within a complex framework of majorities, minorities, and evolving cultural identities. Communities where one language is a minority face survival challenges, making the analysis of potential solutions both theoretically interesting and practically relevant. The volume examines two competing language policies: the Confederation's official bilingualism and Quebec's promotion of French, each with distinct goals and complex outcomes. The volatility of language policy is evident, reflecting conflicts among linguistic groups in Europe. This collection, stemming from the 2009 “Festival of Languages,” provides updated insights into whether Canada can set