Chapter 12. The economics of language, in Catalan Sociolinguistics: State of the art and future challenges Edited by Miquel Àngel Pradilla Cardona

Alarcón, Amado

Abstract:

This article reviews the contributions made from the Catalan academia to the economy of the language. The economics of language comprises two subfields: (1) the study of the relationships between language and economic activity, and (2) the study of the social dimensions of language from the economic method in a strict sense. The production from the economy of the language in strict sense has few although original researches. Among the inquiries that have been made, stands out that is characterized by the emphasis on the value of the language itself, and not just in the exchange value of a given language. Also is remarkable the analysis of the economic and political competition between linguistic groups. In spite of the relevance of the problems dealt with, there has not been a specialization of researchers in the study of the relations between economy and language in the Catalan linguistic sphere. Lack of research brings us the problem that research is essentially replaced by untested dominant social representations about dimension of language speakers community as the only factor for market valuation and economic growth.

Year:

2022

Type of Publication:

In Book

Keywords:

economy of language; economic method; use value; economic competition

Editor:

Miquel Àngel Pradilla Cardona

Pages:

173–182

Publisher:

John Benjamins Publishing Company

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1075/ivitra.32.12ala