This essay explores the possibility of a relational egalitarian account on linguistic justice. For relational egalitarianism, a society based on equal social relations forms the essence of the...Show moreThis essay explores the possibility of a relational egalitarian account on linguistic justice. For relational egalitarianism, a society based on equal social relations forms the essence of the egalitarian ideal. This paper argues that linguistic inequality, which places certain linguistic varieties in a politically, economically, and socially dominant position, automatically placing others in inferior positions, should be of concern for relational egalitarians in particular. Moreover, it portrays how existing accounts on linguistic justice are not sufficient in mitigating the relational egalitarian injustices generated by linguistic diversity. By combining and expanding these accounts, relational egalitarianism provides the theoretical prospect of true linguistic equality. However, it will appear that in practice, the feasibility of such an approach is severely constrained. This does then, in turn, raise important questions for relational egalitarian theory as a whole, which aims to be based in the practical reality that many real-life egalitarian social movements face.Show less
