The choice of an auxiliary language for the world. Perspectives within the context of contemporary linguistics

ISBN-13: 9783668013483 / Angielski / Miękka / 2015 / 108 str.

Gregory Paul P. Meyjes

O autorze

Gregory Paul P. Meyjes is an independent scholar and intercultural consultant currently based in Atlanta, Georgia -- whose work revolves around the promotion of justice in intercultural perspective.Perhaps surprisingly, his cultural rights orientation has been consistently combined with a focus on overall societal organization. His characteristic emphasis on the equitable balance between cultural specificity and societal harmony is nowhere more evident than in his lifelong work on the International Auxiliary Language (IAL) question, which began in 1984 with the present text. A variety of publications have since followed, viewing the IAL principle in various perspectives. Among others, they include a language-ecological article "Sprache und Universalisierung" (2003), a book chapter in the sociology of language and religion "Language and World Order" (2006) and a forthcoming edited volume "The Greatest Instrument for Promoting Harmony and Civilization" (2015). Along with a doctorate in Linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1995), a Master's in Language Studies from Lancaster University (1984), and a Diplom degree in Translation and Political Science from the University of Heidelberg (1980), he holds graduate certificates in Applied Linguistics (Essex, 1983), and International Relations, Netherlands Universities Foundation for International Cooperation (1981).As a world citizen who has lived in many countries and speaks, reads, and writes multiple languages with near-equal fluency, he has taught and/or researched at institutions in the US, the Caribbean, Africa, India, and Iran. His most recent academic postings were as Associate Professor of Linguistics (2009-2013) and Chair of the Department of Inclusive Education, Kennesaw State University (2009-1011). Notable previous positions include, among others, managing editor of a French journal (1980-1981,) rural literacy administrator (1986-1988,) global development researcher (1988-1989), post-doctoral Fellow (1995), national public information director (2001-2002,) Professor of foreign languages (1990-2001), Fulbright Lecturer/Researcher (1998-2000), and as Visiting Professor for Intercultural Education and (2007-2008).His primary focus is on inclusive practices that balance cultural difference with societal equality, in the interests of nation-building and of a culturally "ecological" global community. Consequently, his interest in IAL remains unabated.