Currently the literature on inter-ethnic relations and processes of consolidation of social cohesion in multi-ethnic settings makes little systematic reference to the role of language. In the most extreme cases of inter-ethnic conflict few academic specialists address issues of language or acknowledge any autonomous or contributory role to the grievances of minoritized populations, whether immigrant or indigenous. In settings where conflicts are not characterised by chronic tension or violent inter-generational struggle for citizenship, inclusion and acknowledgment on behalf of minority populations, language policy remains a critical yet largely under-appreciated factor in processes of consolidation of citizenship and of participatory decision making. Questions of language are inevitably present in multi-ethnic settings, ranging on a continuum of the struggles of sub-national community groups against imposition of dominant and official languages in education and other domains of life, to the language management multilingual societies. This paper will explore the role of Q methodology in the pursuit of a more robust characterisation of the multicausal nature of issues of social cohesion, the specific role of language grievances in extreme cases and the role of liberal pluralism in less conflict-affected settings. Q methodology is applied as a qualitative research methodology with quantitative features and provides individuals the opportunity to share their subjective understandings, beliefs or priorities in a complex and holistic manner. This novel research methodology enriches the range of methods to investigate arguments, positions and underlying discourses in language policy. The paper will contrast immigrant European (Sweden and Switzerland) with Asian settings (Myanmar and South Thailand) to explore the illuminating role of Q methodology in mapping the range of argumentative positions about linguistic pluralism in a range of settings where debates about minorities and majorities are encountered.
