Sovereignty: The Language of Boundaries and Belonging.

Library of Linguistics Issue No. 192 mi² December 2025.

Library of Linguistics Issue No. 192 mi² December 2025. Sovereignty: The Language of Boundaries and Belonging.

Sovereignty: The Language of Boundaries and Belonging.

🌍 Sovereignty, at its core, is the linguistic declaration of independence. It is the word states use to mark their boundaries, assert their authority, and define their identity. The article explores how the term has shifted from medieval notions of divine right to modern frameworks of self-determination. Today, sovereignty is not just a legal status—it is a rhetorical shield, invoked in speeches, treaties, and constitutions to signal legitimacy and control.

📜 Linguistically, sovereignty is often paired with verbs of assertion: “declare,” “protect,” “defend.” These choices frame sovereignty as an active process rather than a static condition. The article highlights how leaders use phrases like “our sovereign right” or “national sovereignty” to reinforce autonomy in the face of external pressure. Such language functions as b…