Martine Derivry in dialogue with Ludovica Briscese

Abstract

Indeed, in order to fully grasp this notion, one must apply the above definition at a higher macro-level and through the lens of historical dynamics (L.-J. Calvet 1999, 2002). Languages are attributed with different social and symbolic values throughout time and space, and significant cultural symbolic variation can also be observed within different local linguistic markets. Without sufficient historical background however, it is impossible to fully apprehend the changing dominant position of languages in Europe: first, Greek and Latin, followed by French and finally English. Languages are dependent on the military, political and economic situation of the countries in which they are used.