Fundamentals of a general theory of pluricentric languages

This book is the result of my long-standing involvement with pluricentric languages, which for me personally began in 1980. Since then, I have been able to observe and, to some extent, help shape all phases of the development of the concept of the pluricentricity of languages. It was mainly due to the many works by Michael Clyne that brought about a lasting change and helped the concept of pluricentricity to break through. This book is an attempt to summarise the theory of pluricentricity and to reflect the current state of the discussion. In doing so, I rely on my own work as well as on that published in the context of the WGNDV conferences and others. Of course, relevant work by many other researchers has also been included. The book is intended to help clarify key questions of pluricentricity and promote the further development of the concept. I hope that the book will inspire readers and help them with their research.