Decolonizing a field and its practices

Journal of Arabic Sociolinguistics, vol. 3, pp. 4–23

Abstract

Mainstream sociolinguistic theories were developed in Western societies based on Western languages and societies. This resulted in unnecessary epistemological restriction, which attempts at decolonization seek to address and overcome. Decolonizing sociolinguistics implies counterbalancing Western scholarly domination of the rest of the world. It aims to produce and legitimize new knowledge, methods, and ways to engage in sociolinguistics. We argue that sociolinguistics as we know it should be expanded. Scholars have today an extensive toolbox and specialist terminology for conducting sociolinguistic analysis, but these tools fit Western languages and societies better than non-Western ones. In this article, we discuss the origins, workings, and omissions of mainstream sociolinguistics and present alternative approaches that have been neglected due to an overtly Western bias of the discipline. We conclude with practical suggestions for decolonizing and advancing the field of study. Decolonizing sociolinguistics is a long-term endeavor that involves researchers, editors, publishers, and students.

Authors 3

1. Dick Smakman Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

2. Patrick Heinrich

   Ca' Foscari University of Venice

   Affiliation as printed

   Ca’Foscari University of Venice

3. Rania Habib

   Syracuse University

   Affiliation as printed

   Syracuse University