Languages of History, Histories of Language.

The article discusses the historical study of language, emphasizing its importance as a subject for social historians. Despite calls by scholars like Peter Burke and Roy Porter to give more attention to language, it has remained relatively marginal in historical analysis compared to other everyday objects. This virtual issue of Past and Present compiles articles from the journal's archives, exploring language as an object of historical inquiry. It highlights diverse perspectives on language history, including medieval England and France, early modern Francophone encounters, language difference in rural Ireland, multilingualism in British Malaya and postcolonial Malaysia, and Punjabi language and literature. The authors argue for the need to consider language history as a distinct field that offers insights into empire, power structures, nationhood, social interactions, and agency, challenging monoglot assumptions and encouraging interdisciplinary research.