The Language of Comparative Constitutional Law: Questioning Hegemonies edited by Erika Arban, Maartje De Visser and Jeong-In Yun

The book, The Language of Comparative Constitutional Law: Questioning Hegemonies, edited by Erika Arban, Maartje De Visser and Jeong-In Yun, constitutes the first comprehensive volume dedicated to the linguistic dimensions of comparative constitutional law. Recognizing the epistemological and conceptual implications of English as the predominant lingua franca in the field, the book examines how language shapes comparative constitutional inquiry from multiple perspectives. Its central aim is to heighten scholars’ awareness of linguistic influence, particularly when engaging with foreign constitutional systems expressed in languages other than English. By doing so, the collection demonstrates that language is neither neutral nor merely instrumental; rather, it carries hegemonic expectations and exerts normative pressures. Featuring contributions from authors deeply embedded in national comparative constitutional discourses conducted in diverse languages, the volume offers a nuanced and wide-ranging analysis of the challenges posed by linguistic barriers in research within this field.