Language, Communication and Conflict in South and Southeast Asia

Issues of communication and conflict in South and Southeast Asia are of critical importance and immense interest primarily because of the unique multiculturalism of the area. Every region of the area is diverse, but they are diverse in their own unique way. There are several cases of conflict in the history of the area triggered by differences in languages and cultures. At the same time, the overarching norm of the area is that of routine, peaceful communication across cultures. The diversity provides the inhabitants of the area with challenges as well as opportunities. From national policymakers to ordinary people on the street, people in this area formulate strategies to accept, navigate, manage and cherish this diversity in their everyday lives. Shedding light on matters related to linguistic diversity in this area, this volume brings together sixteen chapters, written by scholars from different countries of South and Southeast Asia. This book will be of interest to students, scholars and readers interested in sociolinguistics, language policy, multilingualism and multiculturalism and the history of South and Southeast Asia.