Language and Decolonial Currents - Alastair Pennycook

Language and Decolonial Currents offers a bold reconceptualization of the relationship between language and decolonization. It provides a critical and historical account of the limitations of decolonial agendas, particularly those affecting socio- and applied linguistics. By encompassing both decolonial moves and anti-colonial movements, the book stresses the importance of the geopolitical location of thinkers and activists, with an emphasis on the French Caribbean.

In this book, Alastair Pennycook explores three main themes. Firstly, alongside the implications of history, he highlights the role of time and the need to consider pluriversal temporalities. Secondly, drawing on water epistemologies, Pennycook urges language studies to take the plunge into critical hydrosocial and hydrocolonial approaches to language. These decolonial currents make the case for an alternative, fluid mode of engagement – embodied and spiritual – with language, water and power. Finally, the relational entanglements of language, time, water and place rejuvenate decolonial projects by insisting on the politics and contexts of anti-colonial movements.

This is an advanced, conceptually rich text for students and scholars of sociolinguistics, language policy, postcolonial studies, and critical theory. It will appeal to readers seeking new frameworks for thinking through language, power, and global justice across disciplines.