[CfP] Topical Collection: Encyclopedia of Asian Languages and Multilingualism

Submissions are invited for encyclopedic entries and review articles documenting and analyzing the languages of Asia and their multilingual dynamics.

• Scope & Themes: Structural analyses (phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics), code-switching and translanguaging, first/second/heritage language acquisition, sociolinguistics and language policy, and contact-induced change across all regions of Asia and global diasporas.
• Format: Encyclopedic overviews and syntheses rather than original empirical research papers.
• Guest Editors: Dr. Pui Yiu Szeto and Prof. Dr. Umberto Ansaldo.
• Submission Procedure: Submit a proposed title and a 200–300 word abstract to pyszeto@gmail.com, uansaldo@gmail.com, and encyclopedia@mdpi.com for preliminary editorial review prior to full manuscript development.

---

See the letter below:

Dear Colleagues,

Asia represents one of the most linguistically diverse and complex regions in the world, characterized by a rich tapestry of language families, isolates, and contact zones. As globalization and digital connectivity continue to reshape how we communicate, the study of Asian languages – both in their structural distinctiveness and their social interplay – has never been more vital.

We are pleased to announce a new Topical Collection titled “Encyclopedia of Asian Languages and Multilingualism”. This collection aims to provide a comprehensive platform for documenting and analysing the languages of Asia, while placing a strong emphasis on the dynamics of bilingualism and multilingualism that define the region.

We welcome scholars to submit encyclopedic entries or reviews (rather than original research work). We are particularly interested in contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Descriptive Linguistics: Structural analyses (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) of specific Asian languages and dialects.
• Multilingual Practices: Code-switching, translanguaging, and language mixing in Asian contexts.
• Language Acquisition: First and second language acquisition of Asian languages, including heritage language learning.
• Sociolinguistics & Policy: Language planning, education policy, and the status of minority or endangered languages in Asia.
• Language Contact: Historical and contemporary contact-induced changes between Asian languages or between Asian and non-Asian languages.

This collection seeks to bridge the gap between linguistic description and the sociolinguistic realities of multilingual usage. We welcome contributions focusing on any region of Asia (East, Southeast, South, Central, North, or West) and diasporic communities worldwide.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editors, Pui Yiu Szeto (pyszeto@gmail.com) and Umberto Ansaldo (uansaldo@gmail.com), and to the Encyclopedia Editorial Office (encyclopedia@mdpi.com). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for ensuring their proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Pui Yiu Szeto
Prof. Dr. Umberto Ansaldo
Guest Editors

Keywords:

• Asian linguistics
• Bilingualism and multilingualism
• Language contact
• Language acquisition
• Language documentation
• Language endangerment
• Language planning
• Sociolinguistics
• Minority languages
• Heritage languages