5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Language is not a transparent medium for communication but a fundamental mechanism which cannot be separated from power and ideologies. For example, language assessments often act as gatekeepers, influencing access to education, employment, and social mobility while perpetuating systemic inequities. Drawing on diverse theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, sociologists have examined how language constructs and reinforces power dynamics and ideological structures across individuals and in communities. With such diversity in theoretical and methodological approach in mind, this session aims to further deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between language, power, and ideologies, highlighting their implications for social equity and justice across micro and macro contexts. In addition to theoretical discussions, we welcome papers that critically analyze these dynamics and offer actionable insights to inform institutional and national policies.