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Geolinguistic analysis promises a more holistic interpretation of languages in contact in the increasingly complex milieu of major cities. In this paper our aim is to assess the potential of selected aspects of geolinguistic analysis for the understanding of multilingual cities, and to outline a research agenda which highlights the need for a more sustained programme of comparative research on urban multilingualism. We illustrate our agenda with reference to a GIS analysis of language in contemporary Cape Town. We also illustrate the wider application of GIS by reference to the Logosphere Programme and evaluate several key research areas where interdisciplinary work may advance our methodological and interpretative inquiries.

On account of the complexity and universal character of the urbanisation process, many academic disciplines, including Social Work, focus on this phenomenon. Accordingly, definitions tend to diverge, while the key concepts and research methodologies of the various disciplines are typically at variance with one another. Such a situation makes interdisciplinary and comparative international studies on urbanisation challenging to execute. One such comparative study has been initiated by the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, and Bordeaux, France, promoting both interdisciplinary as well as intercontinental co-operation. The potential success of this interdisciplinary analysis arises mainly from the openness of concepts and methodologies as well as the judicious choice of cities. In addition, the selection of central questions and of shared themes appears to be important This paper will reflect on these issues by considering aspects of a recently launched interdisciplinary and international research programme. Some perspective, however, is needed beforehand on the two relevant concepts of interdisciplinarity and urbanisation.

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