Bilingual Societies and Linguistic Inequalities

In bilingual societies, where more than one language is spoken, individuals who are
proficient in multiple languages may have increased job prospects and cultural
understanding. These societies can also benefit economically and socially from
multilingualism. However, linguistic inequality may also occur when one language is
privileged or dominant over others. This can result in barriers for individuals who do not
speak the dominant language, leading to social and economic disadvantage and a sense
of marginalization. Linguistic inequality can manifest in various ways, such as the
government and institutions only conducting business in the dominant language, or the
dominant language being the only one taught in schools. This can have serious
consequences for communities whose languages are not supported, leading to the
erosion of cultural traditions and a loss of identity. To address this issue, societies can
adopt language policies and legislation that promote linguistic diversity and equal rights
and opportunities for speakers of all languages. Educational systems can also support
minority languages by offering language classes and resources. In addition, promoting
multilingualism can bring social and economic benefits, such as increased cultural
understanding and innovation. It is essential for societies to recognize and address
linguistic inequality in order to create more inclusive and equitable communities. This
includes supporting and valuing all languages spoken within a society and ensuring equal
access to services and information for all individuals, regardless of the language they
speak. By addressing linguistic inequality, societies can foster more cohesive and
harmonious communities where all individuals feel valued and included.

References:
https://www.linguisticsociety.org/content/linguistic-inequality
https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/linguistic_inequality_in_education_en.pdf
https://www.routledge.com/Linguistic-Justice-in-Bilingual-Societies/Garcia-
Otheguy/p/book/9781138793668
https://www.degruyter.com/