Round Table 1

Title: Role of Language in Sustainable Development and Social Justice: Experiences from India

Abstract
Language, as a shared means of communication, holds substantial significance in the pursuit of sustainable development and social justice at both global and local levels. The panel’s objective is to engage in a comprehensive discussion on the pivotal role of language in these domains. By delving into the intricate relationships between language, sustainable development, and social justice from critical theoretical and multilinguistic perspectives, the panel endeavors to illuminate the complexities inherent in these interconnected concepts.

Language is integral to comprehending and advancing sustainable development and social justice, which entails collaborating to create inclusive and equitable social institutions for all (Adams et al., 2007). Access to equitable language practices is crucial for social transformation. It can serve as a significant resource for sustainable development and the promotion of social justice for marginalized communities, particularly indigenous communities and Dalits. In this context, the representation of indigenous/Dalits culture and languages within the mainstream discourse on sustainable development and social justice, as well as the equity and access provided through language education, are two critical issues that warrant thorough examination and investigation. Scholars such as Neeta Avineri and Pareicia Baquedano-Lopez (2024) have presented a compelling argument for the centrality of language in the functioning of societies and its capacity to both reflect and perpetuate marginalization and inequality. By drawing connections to critical theory, the panel will emphasize the constitutive role of language in perpetuating and resisting injustice and inequality.

Moreover, conflicts in language selection for the medium of instruction, deciding on the place of mother tongue and global language, etc. are some obvious issues in the multilingual and multicultural education scenario. Therefore, there is a need of adopting a multilingual approach to address the linguistic diversity in the multilingual educational contexts. Both English and local languages have been equally emphasized for attaining social sustainability and social justice at the local and global levels.

This panel will explore the significance of language in sustainable development and social justice. It will also examine how language is implicated in sustainable development and social justice as well as how language can be used to mobilize towards sustainable development and social justice.

We welcome contributions from political science, education, environmental sociology, artists, and indigenous scholars and practitioners.

Participants

• Dr Amit Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Shivaji College, University of Delhi.

• Dr Ravi, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Shivaji College, University of Delhi

• Dr Kamal Kumar, Assistant Professor, School of Global Affairs, Ambedkar University Delhi