Linguistic Diversity, What for? from Coursera

What is linguistic diversity? What are its implications and opportunities? How is diversity around the world? How is it experienced, understood and managed in different contexts? What is your knowledge and experience about languages and diversity?

In this course we approach linguistic diversity and multilingualism not only from a theoretical point of view, but also from a perspective oriented to help understand and manage various contexts that emerge from diversity in different environments of social interaction.

The contents will cover aspects related to the conceptual and legal frameworks and to specific cases of linguistic diversity. You are invited to enrich these contents with your contribution.

Through this course, we hope to create a platform of sharing and discussion in order to enrich all participants’ knowledge, open perspectives and encourage the defense and promotion of linguistic diversity.

You can see the promotional video of the course at this link: https://youtu.be/aVzCKGtuNPY

Join us!

This course has been designed by Linguapax International, with the support of the Department of Culture and the Department of Foreign Action, Institutional Relations and Transparency of the Catalan Government and with the collaboration of the UNESCO Chair in Linguistic and Cultural Diversity of the Institute of Catalan Studies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Language Diversity: What for?

This course offers a wide panorama of linguistic diversity. It deals with aspects related to the conceptual and legal frameworks and explores different fields in which linguistic diversity matters, diverse perspectives to approach the issue and questions that arise. It also presents practices of language revitalization, promotion of multilingualism, and innovative and creative enterprises dealing with linguistic diversity. It is oriented to help understand and manage various contexts that emerge from linguistic diversity in different environments of social interaction. Finally, it intends to create a community of linguistic diversity promoters who share ideas and experiences to constantly broaden their horizons.

Linguistic Diversity in the World: Introduction and Transversal Perspectives

Contextualization of the notion of ‘linguistic diversity’: historical evolution, elements that integrate it, geographies (territories and human displacements), transformations in legal, social and educational sensitivity; international framework (legal movements and instruments) and digital environment.

Languages and territories of Origin

Language communities in territories of origin. Geographical and historical panorama of linguistic diversity in the different territories with references to revitalization practices.

People Movements and Linguistic Diversity

Moving languages: changes in linguistic dynamics, new challenges in the interpretation and management of linguistic diversity.

Language Revitalization

What is language revitalization, what is it for, how to promote it, what questions and challenges it generates and what results can be expected from it.

Linguistic diversity, Creativity and Social Transformation

Presentation of cases in which linguistic diversity is managed as a tool for creation, self-knowledge, elevation of democratic quality and transformation of human life.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by leading experts in the field of linguistic diversity

Presents diverse perspectives on linguistic diversity, including revitalization practices and multilingualism promotion

Provides real-life case studies to illustrate the management of linguistic diversity in various contexts

Applicable for individuals working in fields such as education, language policy, and intercultural communication

Suitable for learners with a basic understanding of linguistic diversity concepts

May require additional research for students seeking in-depth knowledge or data analysis

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Linguistic Diversity, What for? with these activities:

Compile your course materials and notes

Show steps

Promotes effective learning by organizing and reviewing course materials, which can enhance retention and understanding of linguistic diversity concepts.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

Show steps

Gather all course materials, including notes, handouts, and assignments
Organize the materials chronologically or by topic
Review the materials regularly to reinforce learning

Read 'Atlas of Languages' by David Crystal

Show steps

Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's languages, their distribution, and the factors that influence their diversity.

View The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the introduction and first two chapters
Focus on the maps and charts to visualize the distribution of languages
Take notes on the key concepts and theories presented

Watch video lectures on language revitalization

Show steps

Enriches understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in revitalizing endangered languages and promoting linguistic diversity.

Browse courses on Language Revitalization

Show steps

Search for video lectures on language revitalization on platforms like YouTube or Coursera
Select lectures that cover different perspectives and case studies
Take notes on key concepts and best practices

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Linguistic Diversity, What for? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Linguist

Linguists analyze language from a scientific perspective. Studying the historical and geographical development of languages along with the social and cultural factors that have influenced their evolution may help you understand the factors that can affect languages and the ways they are used and understood in different contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

Interpreter

Interpreters help people who do not speak the same language communicate with each other. If you are interested in a career as an interpreter, this course may help you gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of language, which can help you to effectively interpret between different languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Translator

Translators convert written text from one language into another language. Taking this course can help you to develop a strong understanding of the differences between languages and how to accurately convey the meaning of a text from one language to another.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. If you are interested in anthropology, then this course can help you to develop a deeper understanding of the role that language plays in human societies and cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course may be helpful if you are interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist, as it can provide you with a foundation in the study of language and communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Teacher

Teachers help students to learn new skills and knowledge. If you are interested in becoming a teacher, this course may be helpful, as it can help you to develop a deeper understanding of the role that language plays in education and how to effectively teach language skills to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. If you are interested in becoming a journalist, then this course can provide you with a foundation in the study of language and communication, which can be helpful for writing and reporting on news stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Editor

Editors review, correct, and revise written material for publication. If you are interested in becoming an editor, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively edit written text.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Writer

Writers create written content such as books, articles, and scripts. If you are interested in becoming a writer, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively write and communicate your ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. If you are interested in becoming a librarian, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively organize and manage library collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Museum curator

Museum curators plan and manage exhibitions and educational programs in museums and galleries. If you are interested in becoming a museum curator, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively manage and interpret museum collections.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and records. If you are interested in becoming an archivist, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively preserve and manage archival materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Historian

Historians study the past and write about it. If you are interested in becoming a historian, this course may be helpful, as it can help you develop a deeper understanding of the role that language plays in shaping and recording our history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively communicate and advocate for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Politician

Politicians make laws and policies that affect the lives of their constituents. If you are interested in becoming a politician, then this course can help you to develop the skills you need to effectively communicate your ideas and persuade others to support your policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Politician