Language variation, language vitality and institutional use: Managing the interplay and tensions

Abstract

The duality of language as a tool for communication and as an expression of identity is at the heart of the field of sociolinguistics: the study of language in its social context. Some sociolinguists are interested in the fundamental study of how languages vary and change, while others have developed interests at the intersection with other scientific disciplines, e.g., language choice (sociology), language attitudes (social psychology) and language policy and planning (legal studies, political sciences). In this paper we will point out some directions how, with language variation as the core concept, scholars of the Institute for Language Sciences and the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies can join forces to tackle current societal and scientific issues at the intersection of language in institutions and language as an institution.