The inflationary use of the term 'identity' leads to a blurring of language usage and a progressive metaphorization of the term. This construction of meaning - with its character that reduces complexity and its social significance - is analyzed in this volume through a series of philological insights from linguists, literary scholars, and cultural scientists from a cross-disciplinary and cross-national perspective. The mutual influence of language and identity becomes evident. Additionally, research desiderata regarding this multidimensional problem come to light.