Quo Vadis, DLC?

Abstract

What are the likely future directions of the concept of the Dominant Language Constellation? What is the role of the DLC within multilingualism studies? This chapter uses the simile of the heavenly constellation to develop a line of inquiry about the uses and usefulness of the DLC concept. It reviews the contributions, data and arguments made in the chapters that comprise this book and tracks possible future directions in areas such as public policy, education, grammatical exploration, sociology of multilingualism, intercultural relations and personal and group identity. The chapter argues that the DLC concept makes a vital contribution to understanding language questions today as an important addition to the analytical concepts of the field, by offering a new perspective.