This work offers systemic and analytical studies of the little known multilingual practices of Northern Europe before the creation of nation-states.In the 17th century, or Golden Age, the Dutch Republic was home to a society where the practice of multilingualism was embedded in its social dynamics, in the use of dialects and foreign languages with their social functions and group identities. These same realities can be found today in other Northern European countries.The notion of a national language did not crystallize before the contemporary period and the creation of nation-states.However, the ideal of a universal language has been present throughout history.This methodological discussion of the systems of European countries where multiple languages co-existed between the 16th and the 19th centuries provides valuable lessons for the understanding of today's societies.NB CATALOGUSTEKST CHICAGO:Before the modern nation-state became a stable, widespread phenomenon throughout northern Europe, multilingualism-the use of multiple languages in one geographical area-was common throughout the region. This book brings together historians and linguists, who apply their respective analytic tools to offer an interdisciplinary interpretation of the functions of multilingualism in identity-building in the period, and, from that, draw valuable lessons for understanding today's cosmopolitan societies.