Economics of language: an overview

Authors

  • Daniel Sotelsek Salem Universidad de Alcalá de Henares
  • José Manuel Maneiro Jurjo Universidad de Alcalá de Henares

Keywords:

, language economics, network externalities, merit good, sociology of language, social capital

Abstract

Conventional economic literature has classified language as a complex good, with a dual nature of private good and public good. However, the tongue has certain characteristics that can be placed in another additional category of goods called «merit goods». These can be characterized as «conditions for the possibility» for an event to occur. In the case of language, the presence of a common tongue can be considered as a precondition for the appearance of commerce and the creation of efficient markets. Besides, language can have an influence on the social economic status of people. In this case, language becomes a condition to reach a plentiful life in a social structure.

Published

2008-07-01

How to Cite

Sotelsek Salem, D., & Maneiro Jurjo, J. M. (2008). Economics of language: an overview. Spanish Journal of Sociology, (10). Retrieved from https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/res/article/view/65076

Issue

No. 10 (2008): Sumario Número 10

Section

Articles

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