ABSTRACT
This chapter starts with an introductory reflection on the role of language in the constitution of nationality and in the imposition of linguistic coloniality. It then proceeds by describing the state of the art in the different perceptions of the linguistic landscape of today, through the analysis of other contemporary theories that contextualise, support or demand a different conceptual framework such as that of ‘glocal languages’ that is developed in this book. This chapter clarifies the use of the North-South metaphor in relation to the geographical north and south and also critically addresses concepts of synchronicity and diachronicity. It discusses various aspects of multilingualism and conceptions of language and diversity as put forward by other authors. Finally, the author summarises the results of a study of language education (Portuguese, first and foreign language; English and Spanish as foreign or additional languages; and indigenous languages as additional languages) in three public universities in Brazil.
