Dr Robyn Moloney from the Macquarie School of Education, and the Very Reverend Father Dr Shenouda Mansour, a Macquarie PhD graduate, have co-published a new book titled Language and Spirit: Exploring Languages, Religions and Spirituality in Australia Today, which explores stories of linguistic and spiritual identity in the urban and rural Australian landscape.

With contributions from academics in applied linguistics, geography and planning and the School of Education, this book is an innovative collection of 36 personal narratives and 11 research studies that offers insights into the intersection of languages, religion and spirituality in people’s lives.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributors speak of the critical connection between language, the spirituality of Country and wellbeing. Immigrant community members from all major religions speak of the joint role of language and faith in maintaining culture and belonging. This edited volume brings new dimensions to the understanding of multilingualism in all complex global societies.

Language and Spirit is suited to both the general reader interested in community languages and interfaith issues and academics in global intercultural studies and applied linguistics study, who wish to gain a nuanced insight into the intersection of language, spirituality and faith.

“I was moved by people’s generosity in sharing the role of their “heart language” in belonging and identity. This book brings depth to the stories of our multilingual and multifaith country,” says Dr Moloney.

“My purpose in producing the book is best expressed by Aunty Louise Campbell from the Stolen Generation who said, ‘language is about what connects us, not what sets us apart’.”

Read Language and Spirit: Exploring Languages, Religions and Spirituality in Australia.