Subject: linguistic and imperialismit 's probably true that linguistics tend to thrive in circumstance of imperialism , but the reason be not that linguistics be inherently imperialistic by nature . when do linguistics happen ? when a society with a literate culture come into contact with people speak other language , and take an interest in them . imperialism provide one situation in which this can occur , but not the only one . bob hoberman rhoberman @ ccmail . sunysb . edu