Gibraltarians and their language

Over the past four decades, scholars worldwide have delved into Gibraltar’s linguistic landscape. Gibraltarians have featured in their articles and studies, but they have done so almost as specimens under the microscope, rarely if ever being allowed to voice their thoughts about what language means to them. Gibraltarians and their Language: 22 Linguistic Biographies provides Gibraltarians with a platform to share their thoughts on Llanito, Spanish, and English—the three languages that shape their daily lives. In this way, the book addresses the historical imbalance that has relegated Gibraltarians to a peripheral position in the narrative of Llanito, their own language. Although it is a unique form of linguistic communication in its own right, Llanito is losing its appeal among the Gibraltarian youth, who prefer to speak English or avoid using Llanito altogether. Why do so many young people in Gibraltar see Llanito as something alien to them? Why do parents lament this gradual erosion of Llanito, but nonetheless continue to speak to their children in English? And why – despite the widespread concern about Llanito’s decline – does the Establishment not take more proactive measures to preserve and promote Llanito? The biographies in this volume provide answers to these challenging questions and throw up ideas that might halt and reverse this linguistic decline. Also, by challenging the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with Llanito, the book proves that Llanito is a valuable and distinctive resource that deserves respect and recognition.