Family Language Policy and the family sociolinguistic order in a neoliberal context

Abstract

This issue focuses on Family Language Policies (FLP) in different European settings, particularly in Spain, and examines how the management of intimate communication practices and ideologies intersects with the sociopolitical, economic, educational, cultural, transnational imperatives that shape the contemporary neoliberal social order. The five empirical studies build on the fast growing and developing literature published under the FLP label, but, at the same time, the articles attempt to move current work forward by incorporating less explored issues in FLP research or by taking up some of the methodological and conceptual challenges for the field that have been recently pointed out (see below). This introductory essay presents these issues and, from our perspective, connects a comprehensive review of FLP research with other conceptual threads that could be incorporated into this tradition. The essay closes with presenting each of the research articles that are part of this issue.