Psychological Perspectives on Language,Identity,and Intergroup Dynamics

Abstract

In this introductory article to the Special Issue on Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Language, Society, and Psychology: Advances from ICLASP18, I provide an overview of the conference's key themes, contributions, and scholarly significance. The issue features diverse research exploring how language shapes social interactions, identity formation, and behavioral dynamics across various socio-cultural contexts. By synthesizing the presented studies, I highlight emerging trends and methodological innovations, including computational analyses of linguistic bias, qualitative insights into social exclusion, and novel approaches to intergroup communication. This introduction outlines the organization of the Special Issue, presents the thematic groupings of the articles, and discusses their theoretical and practical implications. Through these efforts, this Special Issue aims to contribute to academic scholarship and offer practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and educators seeking to understand the evolving intersections of language, society, and psychology.

Exploring Language, Identity, and Intergroup Behavior Through Psychology

The links between language, identity, and societal attitudes provide valuable insights into language behavior, revealing how individuals adapt their speech to manage social contexts, assert their identities, and respond to societal expectations (Brabant et al., 2010; Giles & Coupland, 1991; Giles & Harwood, 2018; Gyollai, 2022; Norton, 2013). Group membership often shapes the self-concept, fostering, and communicating about favorable ingroup behaviors while marginalizing outgroups (Hogg, 2021; Tajfel & Turner, 1979; Zabrodskaja & Ehala, 2014). Language use, influenced by psychological and socio-cultural factors, plays a central role in these dynamics. In bilingual and multilingual contexts, socio-political factors shape implicit and explicit attitudes toward language, affecting linguistic preferences and behaviors (Fishman, 1991; Pauwels, 2016). This interaction drives language maintenance, shift, or revitalization efforts. Linguistic framing also perpetuates societal stereotypes (Semin & Fiedler, 1988), while communication accommodation and emotional regulation significantly impact interpersonal relationships (Giles, 1973, 2016; Giles & Ogay, 2007; Giles et al., in press). This Special Issue explores these themes, offering both theoretical insights and practical strategies for enhancing communication, policy, and social cohesion by recognizing the psychological impact of language on individual and group identities. In what follows, I explore the thematic and methodological contributions of this research-focused issue, highlighting key studies that examine the role of language in shaping social interactions and psychological processes. By synthesizing the findings, I aim to demonstrate the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research and its implications for academic scholarship and practical applications alike.

Origin of the Special Issue

The intersection of language, society, and psychology represents a critical area of inquiry, illuminating how communication shapes, reflects, and transforms human experiences across diverse contexts. This Special Issue, “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Language, Society, and Psychology: Advances from ICLASP18,” compiles a rich array of research presented at the 18th International Conference on Language and Social Psychology (ICLASP18), held from June 12 to 16, 2024, at Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (Tallinn, Estonia).

ICLASP, organized by the International Association of Language and Social Psychology (IALSP), has long served as a platform for scholars from anthropology, sociology, communication, applied linguistics, and social psychology to exchange insights into the socio-psychological dimensions of language. The 2024 conference, co-hosted by Tallinn University, upheld this tradition by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing topics at the intersection of language, culture, health, and politics. It brought together 118 scholars and practitioners from across the globe to explore the dynamic relationship between language and social psychology. Notably, it marked the first in-person ICLASP conference in 6 years, following ICLASP16 in Edmonton, Canada, in 2018.

ICLASP18 has been officially recognized as one of the top 20 conferences held in Tallinn in 2024. On 4 February 2025, I had the distinct honor of receiving a letter of recognition from the City of Tallinn, acknowledging the “successful and outstanding organization of the conference.” This achievement is a collective success, reflecting the dedication and contributions of every participant, presenter, and supporter who played a role in making this event intellectually enriching and impactful. This recognition underscores the significance of our scholarly community and the critical role of research in intercultural communication and social psychology. Hosting ICLASP18 was a privilege, and it provided a remarkable opportunity to advance academic discourse and foster meaningful collaborations at the intersection of language, society, and psychology. The conference served as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary engagement, bringing together scholars from diverse fields to explore the complex interplay between linguistic practices, social structures, and psychological processes. Through thought-provoking discussions, innovative research presentations, and cross-disciplinary dialogs, we deepened our understanding of how language shapes and is shaped by social interactions, cultural contexts, and cognitive mechanisms. This convergence of perspectives not only enriched our theoretical frameworks but also contributed to practical applications in areas such as (intercultural communication), social identity, and well-being. The recognition of ICLASP18 reaffirms the importance of fostering such interdisciplinary exchanges, which are essential for addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in our interconnected world.

Organizing a Special Issue that accurately reflects the intellectual richness of a conference like ICLASP18:2024 posed several challenges due to its inherently interdisciplinary and diverse nature. The event's broad disciplinary scope encompassed fields such as social psychology, communication, applied linguistics, sociology, and anthropology. This scholarly edition displays selected papers from ICLASP18, highlighting the diversity and depth of the conference. The articles range from empirical studies on language attitudes and social exclusion to applications of computational linguistics for detecting bias and deception. Together, they illustrate the dynamic interplay between language and society and the potential for interdisciplinary research to generate actionable insights. The contributions in this issue not only reflect the achievements of ICLASP18 but also chart a path for future research in the field. By bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, the diversified studies presented here aim to inspire scholars and practitioners to continue exploring the profound impact of language on social and psychological processes.

Language, Behavior, and Society: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

The articles in this Special Issue represent a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of language, behavior, and social dynamics. Covering diverse topics such as language attitudes, social exclusion, linguistic bias, and public discourse, these papers collectively demonstrate how language functions not only as a tool for communication but also as a fundamental driver of social structures, cultural practices, and identity formation. By synthesizing insights across these works, the Special Issue uncovers key themes and synergies, offering a heuristic lens for understanding the complex relationships between language, cognition, and society. This collection of articles is organized into distinct thematic groups, each reflecting critical intersections between language, society, and human behavior. These thematic categories provide unique perspectives on the multifaceted ways language interacts with and influences social realities. Together, the articles offer a comprehensive overview of contemporary linguistic research and its far-reaching implications.

The first thematic section, Language Attitudes, Usage, and Social Contexts, explores how linguistic behaviors and perceptions shape communication practices across diverse communities. Marco Tamburelli, Ianto Gruffydd, Florian Breit, and Lissander Brasca examine the complex relationship between language attitudes and linguistic behavior in bilingual communities, focusing on Welsh-English and Lombard-Italian speakers. Their study refines our understanding of how different attitudinal measures predict actual language use, particularly in communities with differing socio-political contexts. By comparing explicit (Matched Guise Technique) and implicit (Implicit Association Test) measures, they reveal that these methods do not always yield consistent results and that their predictive power varies depending on the level of institutional support for the minority language. Notably, while MGT scores correlate with language use in Lombard speakers, IAT scores prove more predictive for Welsh speakers, highlighting the distinct ways implicit and explicit attitudes interact with linguistic behavior. These findings challenge the assumption that positive attitudes alone lead to increased language use, demonstrating instead that the effectiveness of attitudinal measures depends on both the type of measure used and the socio-political environment. This research not only advances the social psychology of language by bridging psychological models of attitudes with linguistic behavior but also offers practical implications for language policy and revitalization. By identifying which attitudinal measures best reflect actual language use, this study helps policymakers allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that interventions are based on reliable indicators of language vitality. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251315114]

Loreta Vilkienė's study provides a valuable contribution to the social psychology of language by examining linguistic attitudes in Lithuania. Her research highlights how preferences for Lithuanian, English, Russian, and Polish vary across different spheres, including education, business, and everyday communication. The study underscores the role of language in shaping social identity and national cohesion, as seen in the strong preference for Lithuanian in official and educational domains. At the same time, it confirms the rising prestige of English, particularly among younger generations and in professional settings, reflecting the influence of globalization and economic factors. By exploring how ethnic minorities perceive and use their native languages in relation to Lithuanian, the research sheds light on intergroup relations and acculturation processes in multilingual societies. Additionally, the study aligns with sociolinguistic theories on language adaptation, demonstrating how practical needs in business and education drive shifts in linguistic preferences over time. Through these insights, Vilkienė's work deepens our understanding of the evolving linguistic landscape in Lithuania and its broader implications for multilingual communities. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251315660]

Sally Wiggins examines children's food preferences through discursive practices, demonstrating how linguistic categories influence behavioral outcomes by shaping how dispositions are constructed and maintained in everyday interactions. Rather than treating food “likes” as internal, stable preferences, Wiggins argues that they are socially produced through conversation and reinforced over time, making them “sticky” psychological categories. By analyzing family meals in Scotland and preschool lunches in Sweden, she highlights how caregivers and children invoke these categories to justify past, present, and future eating behaviors. This process creates a sense of continuity that can make certain behaviors resistant to change, as children are repeatedly positioned as liking or disliking specific foods in ways that persist beyond the immediate meal context. Wiggins’ work contributes to the social psychology of language by emphasizing that language is not just a tool for describing behavior but also a foundational mechanism through which behavior is understood and regulated. She extends discursive psychology by focusing on dispositional categories—beyond the traditional focus on age, race, and gender—showing how everyday talk can constrain or enable behavioral flexibility. This insight has implications not only for understanding eating behaviors but also for broader discussions on language and behavior change, as it suggests that modifying how we talk about preferences (e.g., shifting from noun-based categories like “likes” to verb-based descriptions like “enjoying”) may create greater openness to change. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251315663]

Katherine Collins and Ryan Boyd introduce innovative automated methods for detecting Linguistic Intergroup Bias (LIB), a subtle but pervasive form of linguistic bias that reflects implicit attitudes toward social groups. Traditionally, detecting LIB has been a resource-intensive process, relying on manual coding, which limits both the scale and speed of analysis. By developing computational tools that combine abstraction scoring from the Linguistic Category Model with sentiment analysis, Collins and Boyd offer a scalable and efficient alternative. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort involved in bias detection, making it possible to analyze large datasets across various contexts, such as media, political discourse, and social interactions. The automation of LIB detection not only enhances the objectivity of analysis, removing the subjectivity and potential errors of human coders, but also opens up new possibilities for exploring implicit biases on a broader scale. Their work represents a key advancement in the study of linguistic bias, bridging the gap between social psychology research and real-world applications by providing tools that can be applied to timely socio-cultural issues such as media bias, fake news, and biased reporting. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251318887]

The second thematic section, Social Dynamics, Identity, and Discourse Practices, looks at how language intersects with processes of social exclusion, identity construction, and cultural stereotyping. Kamila Ciepiela's research provides valuable insights into how perceptions of short stature in women with Turner Syndrome (TS) contribute to their social exclusion. Through reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with Polish women diagnosed with TS, the study highlights how physical differences, such as short stature, coupled with societal perceptions and healthcare inequalities, shape experiences of marginalization. The findings reveal that exclusion often begins in childhood due to delayed or inadequate growth hormone therapy, leading to difficulties in social interactions, employment, and intimate relationships. The research underscores how medical regimens and societal norms frequently deprive women with TS of agency, forcing them into self-isolation or self-exclusion as a protective response to stigmatization and victimization. Furthermore, familial and institutional pressures, including negligence, overprotection, and social expectations, exacerbate the sense of exclusion. By examining these layered dynamics, Ciepiela's work advances understanding of the complex socio-psychological dimensions of physical difference and contributes to broader discussions about social categorization, identity, and inclusion. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251315652]

Sucharita Belavadi and Michael Hogg explore how collective victimhood narratives play a pivotal role in shaping essentialist views of ingroup status and identity preservation. Their study emphasizes how populist leaders, through strategic rhetoric, position the ingroup as victims of external threats, typically from elites, minorities, or outsider groups. This framing fosters a heightened sense of threat and uncertainty about the ingroup's future status and influence, prompting members to seek tightly bound social identities characterized by perceived inherent superiority and immutable group boundaries. By invoking narratives of historical suffering and blocked greatness, leaders encourage followers to view the group's high status and attributes as inherent, inborn qualities rather than socially constructed or negotiable. Belavadi and Hogg argue that this essentialization process becomes particularly appealing to ingroup members when faced with uncertainty about their identity and societal position, serving as a psychological mechanism to reaffirm dominance and resist perceived status erosion. Their findings provide critical insights into the communicative processes through which rhetoric influences social identity dynamics and intergroup relations. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251323987]

Esther Ong Zhen Mei, Liz Jones, and Stefano Occhipinti delve into the cultural and linguistic variations shaping the stigma toward individuals with lung cancer, offering valuable insights into how societal attitudes are communicated and perpetuated across different regions. Their research highlights the contrasting perceptions between Western and Eastern contexts, particularly between Australia and Hong Kong, revealing how language and cultural norms influence public discourse surrounding the disease. In Australia, the strong association between smoking and lung cancer, shaped by decades of anti-tobacco campaigns, fosters a narrative of personal responsibility that often leads to stigmatization. In contrast, in Hong Kong, lung cancer stigma is influenced by distinct cultural beliefs, including misconceptions about the disease being contagious or a form of divine punishment. By examining these linguistic expressions and cultural narratives, the authors contribute to a more detailed understanding of how stigma operates and offer essential implications for public health communication strategies, support systems, and advocacy efforts. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251318879]

Jessica Chan and colleagues conduct a comprehensive scoping review exploring linguistic biases against Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the pervasive use of deficit-based discourses that frame Indigenous identities through narratives of deficiency and disempowerment. The authors highlight how such language not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also reinforces structural inequities, particularly in sectors like healthcare where communication plays a critical role in patient experiences and outcomes. Their work underscores the urgent need to replace these negative portrayals with strengths-based narratives that celebrate the inherent assets, resilience, and cultural knowledge of Indigenous communities. By mapping existing literature and identifying gaps, the study calls for a transformative shift in language practices to foster empowerment, inclusivity, and culturally safe interactions. This review represents a significant step toward dismantling colonial linguistic structures and advocating for positive representations that can contribute to improved social and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251318040]

Nicholas Emler hypothesizes that gossip plays a crucial role in shaping human societies by fostering cooperation and enhancing individuals’ ability to predict the behavior of others. He argues that beyond its traditional view as idle talk, gossip serves as a powerful social mechanism that reinforces group cohesion, regulates social norms, and influences reputational dynamics. By sharing information—whether evaluative or neutral—about absent individuals, gossip enables people to form impressions of others’ trustworthiness, reliability, and social standing. This, in turn, helps individuals cope with complex social networks by making informed decisions about whom to trust, collaborate with, or avoid. Additionally, the fear of reputational damage encourages cooperative behavior, as individuals are motivated to act in ways that align with group expectations to maintain positive social standing. Through these functions, gossip emerges as a critical evolutionary adaptation that supports large-scale human societies by promoting both social control and predictive social intelligence. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251315640]

Monika Obrębska and her team analyze the impact of affective valence in social media posts on the public image of politicians, focusing on how the use of hate speech and kindness speech influences social evaluations. Their study examines the reactions of Polish participants to posts made by politicians with varying ideological backgrounds, revealing that emotionally charged language significantly alters perceptions of a politician's friendliness and sociability while having a lesser effect on perceived competence or morality. The research highlights the role of affective priming, showing that exposure to hateful rhetoric can reinforce polarization, whereas kindness speech can enhance a politician's image, even in a political climate dominated by negativity. Moreover, the study underscores the complexity of political communication, where public expectations and cultural norms shape the reception of affective messaging. By demonstrating a “positivity bias” in response to kind language—an effect counter to the commonly observed negativity bias—Obrębska and her colleagues contribute valuable insights into the psychology of language in political discourse, emphasizing the potential for promoting more civil and constructive communication. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251321504]

The third thematic grouping, Advances in Relationships between Language and Intergroup Communication, highlights innovative research on conversational patterns, deception detection, and intergroup relational dynamics. Riccardo Loconte and colleagues compare human and machine capabilities in detecting deception, demonstrating that natural language processing (NLP) excels in analyzing linguistic patterns. This study advances the social psychology of language by integrating computational techniques with psychological theories to improve deception detection. It highlights the limitations of human judgment, reinforcing findings on cognitive biases such as truth bias, and shows how NLP can enhance psychological models like Reality Monitoring and Cognitive Load by extracting deception-related linguistic cues. By comparing expert and naïve human judges with machine learning models, the study assesses whether the weaknesses in human deception detection stem from theoretical inefficiencies or cognitive constraints. The results suggest that combining multiple psychological frameworks enhances detection accuracy, influencing future theoretical models. Additionally, the study marks a shift from theory-driven to data-driven approaches, demonstrating that NLP-based techniques outperform traditional manually coded cues in deception research. This has significant implications for applied social psychology, particularly in forensic and legal settings, where the reliability of human expert evaluations is called into question, and computational tools offer more objective and accurate assessments. Ultimately, the article proposes a paradigm shift toward AI-assisted linguistic analysis, refining our understanding of how language reveals deception and strengthening the intersection between social psychology and computational methodologies. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251316883]

Denise Haunani Solomon and her co-authors offer a compelling exploration of conversational motifs in interpersonal communication, advancing the social psychology of language through the innovative Dynamic Dyadic Systems (DDS) perspective. The article provides a comprehensive understanding of how recurrent, ordered speaking turn sequences shape interpersonal interactions and emotional regulation. By categorizing multi-turn speaking patterns and integrating linguistic features such as pronoun use, emotional language, and word count, the research reveals how language influences conversational flow and social adaptation. Empirical studies in diverse contexts, including bereavement support and conflict resolution, demonstrate the critical role of turn-taking and linguistic cues in shaping relationship dynamics. Methodologically, the work stands out for its combination of human-coded speech act analysis and computational tools like LIWC, enabling a systematic examination of verbal exchanges. The findings highlight language's adaptability across various relational contexts, reinforcing its significance in cognitive reappraisal, conflict management, and persuasion. Solomon and her team's contributions not only refine theoretical insights but also underscore the essential role of linguistic analysis in understanding social interactions and emotional processes. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251316863]

Yan Bing Zhang and collaborators explore how the quality of intergroup contact influences American students’ cognitive attitudes toward Chinese international students (CISs). The research highlights that contact-based relational solidarity mediates these effects, with stronger relational ties fostering more favorable attitudes. Furthermore, the type of contact—whether the CIS is a friend or merely an acquaintance—moderates these outcomes, with friendships amplifying the benefits of high-quality contact. By examining both positive and negative stereotypes in a context marked by shifting social dynamics and heightened biases, the study advances intergroup contact theory. It underscores the importance of meaningful relationships in promoting intercultural understanding on college campuses. The findings emphasize how contact quality fosters positive perceptions, while frequent interactions with acquaintances rather than friends can sometimes reinforce negative stereotypes. The study also sheds light on the multifaceted mediating role of relational solidarity, which paradoxically contributes to both favorable and unfavorable perceptions of the outgroup. This duality reveals the limitations of traditional intergroup contact models and underscores the persistent influence of socio-political dynamics on interpersonal encounters. By incorporating considerations of typicality, affective ties, and relational factors, this research enriches existing literature and offers practical insights for designing interventions to improve intergroup relations through language and communication. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251319795]

Finally, Xiaoxia Li and Yan Bing Zhang examine how family communication patterns and maternal psychological control relate to depression among young adults in China and Hungary, offering valuable insights into the influence of cultural and familial dynamics on mental well-being. Their findings reveal that while conversation-oriented families foster open communication and emotional resilience, conformity-oriented environments are linked to higher levels of depression, often mediated by maternal psychological control. The study underscores notable cross-cultural differences, with Chinese families displaying a stronger emphasis on conformity and psychological control, which may be culturally normalized as part of hierarchical family structures. In contrast, Hungarian families prioritize autonomy and open dialogue, reflecting the values of a more individualistic society. This cross-cultural comparison enriches the social psychology of language by highlighting how communication patterns and parenting styles intersect with cultural norms to shape mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need to account for socio-cultural contexts in psychological and communication research. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X251322458]

This collection of articles emphasizes the intertwined relationship between language, attitudes, and behavior. By illustrating how linguistic practices shape societal norms, influence intergroup dynamics, and reflect broader cultural patterns, these studies offer valuable insights for addressing linguistic biases, fostering inclusion, and leveraging language for positive social change. The special issue represents a comprehensive and critical exploration of diverse themes in language attitudes, social identity, discourse practices, and their broader socio-psychological implications. The use of mixed methods, such as the comparison between implicit (IAT) and explicit (MGT) attitudinal measures, computational tools for detecting linguistic biases, and discursive approaches to social behaviors, showcases cutting-edge research techniques that push the boundaries of traditional sociolinguistic and social psychological studies. The inclusion of studies spanning different socio-political environments, such as Wales, Lombardy, Lithuania, Australia, and Hong Kong, provides a global perspective on language behaviors, cultural narratives, and social dynamics. This diversity makes the findings more generalizable and relevant to multiple fields. The practical implications of studies on language policy, minority language support, and health communication strategies are noteworthy. By offering insights into how attitudes predict language use and how narratives shape social inclusion, the collection equips policymakers and practitioners with evidence-based strategies for fostering multilingualism, reducing stigma, and improving public health communication. The thematic focus on linguistic bias, identity formation, and social categorization enriches the theoretical discourse in fields such as social psychology, discourse studies, and communication. Studies like those examining collective victimhood narratives and TS experiences provide insightful understandings of identity preservation and exclusion. Articles exploring stigma, gossip, and language biases underscore the deep links between language and social cohesion, public discourse, and health outcomes. These topics remain relevant in ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and counter harmful stereotypes. This thematic issue contributes valuable empirical and theoretical knowledge to fields like sociolinguistics, social psychology, intercultural communication, and public health discourse. It bridges scholarly research with real-world applications, making it a significant resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

Pedagogical and Broader Implications for Teaching Communication

This collection of articles provides valuable insights for students and educators, enhancing their understanding of how language shapes social, psychological, and cultural dynamics. For students, it underscores that language is far more than a tool for communication—it is a powerful mechanism that influences societal structures, behaviors, and identity (Bourdieu, 1991; Bucholtz & Hall, 2005; Wardhaugh & Fuller, 2021). By analyzing topics such as language attitudes, social exclusion, and identity formation, students are encouraged to critically examine communication and consider the broader social, political, and historical forces shaping language use (Angouri & Baxter, 2021; Labov, 1972; Tannen, 1994). The articles further illuminate how socio-political contexts affect communication practices (Fairclough, 2013; Gumperz & Hymes, 1972; Ramasubramanian & Banjo, 2020), helping students appreciate the influence of demographic and political factors on language choices, intercultural communication, and public discourse (Heller, 2007; Shohamy, 2006). Insights into discursive practices prompt students to evaluate how language either reinforces or challenges social norms (Richardson & Flowerdew, 2020), equipping them to engage thoughtfully with media narratives and societal conversations. Ethical considerations, such as linguistic bias and representation, encourage reflection on how language can perpetuate or disrupt systemic inequities (Baker, 2023; Bonilla-Silva, 2022). These insights inspire a critical approach to communication research and promote the adoption of responsible communication practices (Machin & Mayr, 2023). For educators, this publication offers rich content for courses on social communication, intercultural communication, and communication theory. The interdisciplinary perspectives bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, illustrating the practical relevance of communication theories (Gudykunst, 2004; Komisarof et al., 2025). Case studies provide fertile ground for discussions on linguistic bias and ethical responsibilities, encouraging students to address complex social issues (Hall, 1997). Moreover, the introduction of innovative methodologies, such as NLP and computational techniques for detecting biases (Khurana et al., 2023), offers educators opportunities to familiarize students with advanced research tools. This empowers learners with the skills necessary to cope with the evolving field of communication research. This volume fosters a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between language and society, offering students and educators a robust platform to explore communication's transformative role in shaping social realities.

This collection of articles also highlights the complex relationship between language, society, and behavior across diverse themes (see also Duranti & Goodwin, 1992). Contributions on language attitudes and social behavior reveal how socio-political contexts and implicit attitudes shape linguistic vitality and usage patterns. Studies on social exclusion and identity formation examine how identity discourses influence exclusionary processes and essentialist narratives. The role of discursive practices in embedding or resisting social behaviors underscores language's power to sustain or challenge societal norms. Papers on linguistic bias and representation emphasize the ethical implications of computational methods in detecting hidden biases and fostering equity. Research on interpersonal and intergroup dynamics (Yzerbyt & Demoulin, 2010) showcases how communication patterns affect relationships and social cohesion, while studies on public discourse illustrate how language shapes perceptions and either bridges or deepens divides in culturally and politically charged contexts.

Despite the thematic variety, common threads emerge. The papers collectively underscore that language is a deeply social phenomenon, reflecting and constructing human experiences, identities, and hierarchies (Bonvillain, 2019; Kramsch, 2021). They highlight how linguistic phenomena operate across cultural, institutional, and interpersonal contexts, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike. The Special Issue synthesizes insights from the 14 studies, offering a comprehensive perspective on how language and communication shape social attitudes, behaviors, and identity. By illuminating the interconnections among these themes, the issue provides a foundation for future research aimed at addressing linguistic biases, fostering inclusion, and understanding the psychological and social dimensions of communication. It invites readers to reflect on each study's findings and the broader questions they raise about language's role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Future research could explore the role of digital communication in shaping language attitudes and stereotypes, particularly in the context of social media. Examining how globalized communication influences linguistic vitality and identity in emerging multilingual societies would also be valuable. Research into the intersectionality of linguistic biases with other social categories, such as gender and socioeconomic status, could offer deeper insights into exclusion and inclusion dynamics. Furthermore, integrating automated tools for detecting linguistic bias with qualitative analyses could enhance the rigor and applicability of findings. Longitudinal methods, expanding to diverse cultural contexts, and employing mixed-method approaches would address limitations of specific cultural contexts, self-reported data, and cross-sectional designs. I hope that readers will enjoy this Special Issue as much as I have enjoyed translating the dynamic and interdisciplinary discussions of the ICLASP18 conference into a focused and cohesive publication.