7.1 Language planning and policy
3 min read•august 15, 2024
and policy shape how languages function in society. Governments, organizations, and communities use these tools to influence language use, structure, and learning. This can promote or hinder , impacting minority languages and speakers' rights.
These efforts have far-reaching effects on education, politics, and cultural identity. Successful language policies consider community needs, provide resources, and adapt to changing contexts. Understanding these processes is key to navigating our multilingual world.
Language planning and policy
Definition and key components
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- Language planning refers to the deliberate efforts to influence the function, structure, or acquisition of languages or language varieties within a speech community
- is the set of rules, regulations, and guidelines used to achieve the goals of language planning
- involves the creation of new forms, modification of old ones, or selection from alternative forms in a written or spoken code, focusing on the language itself (lexicon, grammar, orthography)
- is concerned with the social functions and uses of language, aiming to modify the environment in which a language is used (official recognition, domains of use)
- focuses on increasing the number of language users through the spread of language learning and teaching (education policies, language courses)
Impact of language policies
- Language policies can either promote or hinder linguistic diversity, depending on their goals and implementation
- aim to reduce linguistic diversity by promoting a dominant language at the expense of minority languages, often leading to language shift and loss (English-only policies in the United States)
- seek to maintain and promote linguistic diversity by supporting and protecting minority languages, ensuring their survival and vitality (official multilingualism in South Africa)
- are the legal and moral entitlements of individuals and communities to use, maintain, and develop their languages in various domains of life
- Language policies that do not respect language rights can lead to , marginalization, and the violation of human rights (suppression of Kurdish in Turkey)
Government role in language planning
- Governments play a crucial role in language planning and policy through legislation, education policies, and resource allocation
- often reflect the political, economic, and social priorities of the government in power, which may change over time (Arabization policies in post-colonial Algeria)
- Educational institutions, such as schools and universities, are key sites for the implementation of language policies, particularly in terms of medium of instruction and language curricula ( in Canada)
- , such as the United Nations and the European Union, can influence language planning and policy through declarations, conventions, and recommendations (European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages)
- and advocacy groups can also play a role in shaping language policies by lobbying governments and raising awareness about language rights issues ()
Evaluating language planning approaches
- The effectiveness of language planning and policy approaches can be assessed based on their outcomes in terms of language use, attitudes, and vitality
- , where policies are imposed by authorities, may be less effective than that involve community participation and ownership (grassroots initiatives for )
- Language policies that are not well-designed, adequately resourced, or consistently implemented are less likely to achieve their intended goals (lack of qualified teachers for minority language education)
- The success of language planning and policy initiatives often depends on the , as well as the attitudes and motivations of the target population ( in immigrant communities)
- Evaluating the effectiveness of language planning and policy requires a long-term perspective and the use of multiple indicators, such as language proficiency, use in various domains, and intergenerational transmission (census data, sociolinguistic surveys)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Acquisition Planning: Acquisition planning refers to the process of strategically determining how language resources, including materials, personnel, and technologies, will be obtained to meet specific language goals. This involves assessing the needs of a community or organization regarding language use and establishing a framework for acquiring the necessary linguistic tools to support language maintenance, revitalization, or instruction.
Assimilationist policies: Assimilationist policies refer to strategies and practices implemented by governments or dominant cultures aimed at encouraging or forcing minority groups to adopt the cultural norms, language, and values of the dominant group. These policies often seek to diminish cultural diversity and promote uniformity, resulting in the loss of unique cultural identities and languages among minority communities.
Bilingual education programs: Bilingual education programs are educational strategies designed to teach students in two languages, typically their native language and a second language, to enhance their language skills and academic performance. These programs aim to support multilingual learners by fostering proficiency in both languages while helping them adapt to the dominant language of the society, thereby promoting cultural integration and identity.
Bottom-up approaches: Bottom-up approaches refer to strategies and methods that prioritize grassroots participation and local input in decision-making processes, particularly in areas such as language planning and policy. This approach contrasts with top-down strategies, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the needs of individual speakers in shaping language initiatives. By focusing on local contexts, bottom-up approaches aim to create more relevant and effective language policies that resonate with the actual experiences and desires of the community members.
Corpus planning: Corpus planning refers to the deliberate and systematic efforts to develop and enhance the linguistic resources of a language, including its vocabulary, grammar, and overall structure. This aspect of language planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that a language can meet the communicative needs of its speakers, especially in contexts where it may need to adapt to new technological or cultural developments.
Indigenous language revitalization movements: Indigenous language revitalization movements are efforts aimed at promoting and restoring the use of native languages that are endangered or extinct. These movements focus on reclaiming linguistic heritage through education, community initiatives, and policy advocacy, often in response to historical suppression and globalization that have led to the decline of these languages. By fostering intergenerational transmission and increasing public awareness, these movements strive to empower indigenous communities and preserve their cultural identity.
International organizations: International organizations are entities established by treaties or agreements between nations to facilitate cooperation and address common issues on a global scale. These organizations play vital roles in various areas, including governance, humanitarian aid, trade, and cultural exchange, working to promote peace, security, and development across countries.
Language maintenance: Language maintenance refers to the efforts and practices aimed at keeping a language alive and actively used within a community, particularly among minority or marginalized groups. This process often involves encouraging the use of the language in various domains such as home, education, and media, ensuring that younger generations continue to learn and use it. The importance of language maintenance can be linked to identity, social cohesion, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Language planning: Language planning is the deliberate effort by governments or organizations to influence the use and development of language within a particular community. This can include creating policies for language education, standardizing language forms, or promoting minority languages. Language planning is connected to broader themes such as how ideologies shape language use, the impact of language on professional identity, and efforts to revitalize endangered languages.
Language policy: Language policy refers to the set of decisions and actions taken by governments, institutions, or communities regarding the use, preservation, and promotion of languages. This term encompasses a range of practices, including official language designations, language education, and support for minority languages, all aiming to shape linguistic practices within a specific context. Effective language policies can facilitate communication in a globalized world, promote cultural diversity, and contribute to language revitalization efforts.
Language Rights: Language rights refer to the entitlements individuals or groups have concerning their use of language, including the right to speak, learn, and be educated in their preferred language. These rights are essential in promoting cultural identity, safeguarding linguistic diversity, and ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities. They intersect with concepts like identity, ethnicity, ethical considerations in research, and the policies surrounding language planning.
Linguistic Discrimination: Linguistic discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their language, accent, or dialect. It manifests in various forms, including biases against non-native speakers, stigmatization of certain dialects, and prejudices related to perceived intelligence or social status tied to language use. This form of discrimination can intersect with social issues such as race, class, and gender, reflecting underlying power dynamics and societal attitudes toward language.
Linguistic Diversity: Linguistic diversity refers to the variety of languages spoken around the world and the differences in language practices across cultures. This diversity is not just about the number of languages, but also includes variations in dialects, accents, and language use among different communities. It reflects the complex relationship between language and culture, influencing how individuals express identity, heritage, and social connections.
National Language Policies: National language policies are frameworks established by governments to manage the use and promotion of languages within their jurisdictions. These policies can influence which languages are recognized officially, how they are used in education, government, and public life, and can also aim to preserve minority languages and promote bilingualism or multilingualism.
Non-governmental organizations: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are independent, non-profit groups that operate outside of government control to address social, political, environmental, or economic issues. They often play a significant role in influencing language planning and policy by advocating for linguistic rights, promoting minority languages, and ensuring that language policies are inclusive and equitable.
Pluralist Policies: Pluralist policies refer to approaches in governance and decision-making that recognize and accommodate a diversity of cultural, linguistic, and social groups within a society. These policies aim to provide equitable representation and support for various communities, fostering coexistence while promoting the preservation of individual identities and languages.
Resistance to language shift: Resistance to language shift refers to the active efforts and attitudes of speakers and communities to maintain their native language in the face of dominant languages that threaten to replace it. This phenomenon can manifest through cultural practices, education policies, and community initiatives that seek to preserve linguistic heritage and identity. Such resistance is crucial for maintaining linguistic diversity and can have broader social implications for community cohesion and identity.
Socio-political context: Socio-political context refers to the interplay between social and political factors that influence and shape language use, policies, and planning within a society. This context encompasses elements such as cultural norms, historical events, power dynamics, and social hierarchies, which can significantly impact language policy decisions and their implementation.
Status planning: Status planning refers to the process of determining and managing the social prestige and functional roles of different languages within a society. This involves decisions about which languages are promoted or supported in specific domains, such as education, government, and media, thereby influencing language use and maintenance in a multilingual context.
Top-down approaches: Top-down approaches refer to strategies in language planning and policy where decisions are made by higher authorities or central bodies, such as governments or educational institutions, and then implemented at local levels. These approaches often prioritize national language policies and regulations over grassroots initiatives, emphasizing uniformity and control in language use across a given area or population.