Susana Rodríguez Barcia

Reseña de del Valle, José. 2024. Lo político del lenguaje. Travesía por el español y sus malestares. Santiago de Chile: Verba Volant.

Introduction

Reseña de del valle, josé. 2024. Lo político del lenguaje. Travesía por el español y sus malestares. Santiago de chile: verba volant.. Reseña del libro 'Lo político del lenguaje' de José del Valle. Explora las dimensiones políticas del español y sus malestares. Un análisis crítico sobre el idioma.

Abstract

Review

This entry provides a timely review of José del Valle’s 2024 publication, *Lo político del lenguaje. Travesía por el español y sus malestares*, released by Verba Volant. As the title suggests, del Valle, a prominent scholar in sociolinguistics and the politics of language, embarks on an exploration of the intrinsic political dimensions of the Spanish language, examining its historical trajectory and contemporary challenges. The very notion of a "journey through Spanish and its discontents" signals a critical inquiry into how the language has been shaped by power dynamics, ideologies, and social struggles, promising a nuanced perspective on its current state and perceived ailments. A comprehensive review of this nature would undoubtedly delve into the core arguments presented by del Valle. It would likely explore how the Spanish language, far from being a neutral communicative tool, functions as a battleground for identity, power, and belonging. Key themes that the book—and consequently, its review—would address include the processes of language standardization, the impact of linguistic policies, the politics of linguistic purism versus variation, and the contentious debates surrounding issues like inclusive language or the role of pan-Hispanic institutions. The "malestares" or discontents would likely encompass the tensions arising from these political entanglements, offering insights into the anxieties and conflicts that define the contemporary Spanish-speaking world. Ultimately, this review serves an important function by introducing readers to what promises to be a significant contribution to sociolinguistics, critical discourse studies, and Hispanic studies. Del Valle's work is positioned to deepen our understanding of language as a profoundly political phenomenon, making the case for a critical engagement with the forces that shape its use and perception. By summarizing the book's central tenets and potential impact, this review facilitates access to a complex and highly relevant academic discussion, encouraging further scholarly engagement with the multifaceted politics of the Spanish language in the 21st century.

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