PhD Review: Deliberative democracy amidst the Tower of Babel

Much normative and empirical work on deliberation still operates under the assumption of a monolingual public sphere. Where linguistic diversity is acknowledged, it is often treated as a logistical challenge rather than a democratic asset. Verhasselt’s PhD dissertation invites readers to consider what normative frameworks and practices are required when linguistic pluralism is embraced as integral to democratic life. This piece reflects on the profound implications of Verhasselt’s work for deliberative theory and practice. It concludes by calling for a broader conversation that connects scholarship pursuing similar lines of inquiry around the world.