This scholarly e-book examines the complex relationship between multilingualism and social exclusion across global, regional, and local contexts. It challenges prevailing assumptions about linguistic diversity, arguing that increased awareness of language variation has not necessarily led to greater societal integration. Through papers from the First International MIDP Symposium (Bloemfontein, 2006), the text critically analyzes how discourses surrounding multilingualism often perpetuate exclusionary mechanisms rather than fostering emancipation. The collaborative work from scholars at the Universities of Free State, Antwerp, and Ghent provides essential insights for researchers and practitioners in sociolinguistics and language policy.