From exception to norm: Multilingual publics in North Africa and lessons for the theory of the public sphere

Abstract

Most societies and polities worldwide are multilingual, yet most theories of public spheres overlook this fact, as they stem from Western contexts dominated by a single national language. Reviewing the scientific literature, I show that multilingualism is often treated as a problem or exception rather than the norm. Drawing on four observations from publics in North Africa, I highlight insights relevant to general theories of public spheres: (1) the role of translation and coexistence of multiple languages within one public sphere; (2) the complex relationship between freedom of speech and language; (3) the correlation between language and levels of critique; and (4) the strategic potential of multilingualism. All point to the ambiguous role of language for publics. Finally, I propose a first draft of a theoretical framework for public spheres that recognizes multilingual realities, showing that existing theories contain elements that can integrate this global condition.