In contrast, it is less controversial that they have led to an increased visibility and awareness of linguistic diversity, as well as to a growing sensitivity and sensibility towards this diversity - in short, to a growing number (and a wider range) of meaning-ascribing discourses surrounding multilingualism.

The papers included in this book aim to draw attention to the fact that such discourses do not invariably reflect on, or give rise to, realities of societal integration and emancipation. In practice, they often follow, and are followed by, the mechanisms and effects of exclusion at different levels of society.

Multilingualism and Exclusion: Policy, Practice and Prospects resulted from the First International MIDP Symposium, "Multilingualism and Exclusion" - hosted jointly by the University of the Free State, the University of Antwerp and the University of Ghent - which was held in Bloemfontein from 24 to 26 April 2006.