Exploring Linguistic Boundaries: From the Acquisition of Languages to Multilingual Practices

Dear Colleagues,

The unprecedented ease of global mobility in the 20th and 21st centuries has brought people, languages, and cultures into closer contact than ever before. This proximity has resulted in complex linguistic exchanges, where languages interact, influence, and sometimes merge in fascinating ways. The linguistic landscapes of many regions have been reshaped by these encounters, leading to a diverse array of outcomes, including codeswitching, the emergence of hybrid dialects, language attrition, and the (re)construction of identities. Recognizing the importance of these phenomena, we are pleased to announce a Special Issue dedicated to exploring the intricate linguistic outcomes of language contact, with a particular focus on codeswitching and the processes involved in (second) language acquisition.

This Special Issue aims to gather pioneering research that investigates the multiple and complex ways in which languages influence one another when they come into contact, particularly in bilingual and multilingual settings. One of the core themes of this issue will be the interaction of Spanish with other languages, which offers a unique lens through which to examine linguistic phenomena like codeswitching. Scholars are invited to explore how Spanish interacts with languages such as English, Nahuatl, Catalan, Portuguese, and others in various bilingual or multilingual communities. Contributions might investigate the grammatical structures that arise when speakers switch between languages within a single conversation, or they could examine the social and psychological factors that drive these codeswitching practices. Additionally, comparisons between different language pairs and communities will provide valuable insights into the diversity and universality of these linguistic processes.

Beyond the structural aspects of codeswitching, this issue is also interested in theoretical explorations of how and why these linguistic exchanges occur. Submissions might consider the explanatory power of different linguistic theories, from generative grammar to usage-based approaches, in accounting for the patterns observed in codeswitching. This theoretical focus aims to bridge gaps between competing frameworks and foster a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Another vital area of exploration within this Special Issue is the broader linguistic consequences of language contact. This includes not only codeswitching but also other phenomena such as lexical borrowing and the integration of anglicisms and other foreign elements into Spanish and other languages. These contributions will help to map out the various ways in which languages evolve and adapt when they come into sustained contact with one another.

The issue will also turn its attention to the processes of second language acquisition (SLA) and interlinguistic pragmatics, especially as they relate to Spanish as a foreign language (ELE). In today’s interconnected world, multilingualism is increasingly common and understanding how individuals acquire additional languages in such contexts is of high importance. Research in this area might examine the morphosyntactic, semantic, and pragmatic features that learners of Spanish develop and how these features are influenced by the learners' first languages. Additionally, submissions could explore the factors—both internal, such as cognitive mechanisms, and external, like sociocultural influences—that shape the acquisition of a second or even a third language. This line of inquiry will contribute to a deeper understanding of how multilingual individuals navigate and negotiate their linguistic environments.

Through these diverse themes, this Special Issue seeks to offer a comprehensive exploration of the linguistic outcomes of language contact, providing a platform for innovative research that bridges linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cultural studies. We encourage scholars from various fields to submit their work, contributing to a richer understanding of how languages influence one another and how these influences shape the identities and experiences of their speakers.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400-600 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the guest editors ([email protected]). Abstracts will be reviewed by the guest editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

Tentative Completion Schedule:

Abstract Submission Deadline: October 15, 2024

Notification of Abstract Acceptance: October 31, 2024

Full Manuscript Deadline: January 31, 2025

Prof. Dr. Renata Enghels
Prof. Dr. An Vande Casteele
Prof. Dr. Diana Castilleja
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Languages is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• language contact
• codeswitching
• multilingualism
• language acquisition
• linguistic identity
• bilingual settings
• sociolinguistics
• interlinguistic pragmatics
• migration and language