Language Policies and the Politics of Language Practices: Essays in Honour of Sjaak Kroon

This edited volume celebrates the career of Sjaak Kroon, focusing on his work in ethnography of education, immigrant minority language teaching, and language politics. It explores the use of immigrant minority languages in education and language policy analysis, combining top-down institutional and bottom-up ethnographic dimensions. The chapters provide sensitive tools for investigating the grey space between formal language policies and informal politics and practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 159 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume is a tribute to the remarkable career of scholar Sjaak Kroon, whose groundbreaking work in the fields of ethnography of education, immigrant minority language teaching, and language politics has left an indelible mark on the academic landscape. Spanning across various continents and addressing the complexities of language policy, the chapters in this collection explore the multifaceted dimensions of the use of immigrant minority languages in education. They delve into the development of policies at all levels, from local to global, and shed light on the often-overlooked field of language policy analysis.

What sets this volume apart is its unique approach to language policy analysis, which seamlessly blends the top-down institutional perspectives with the bottom-up ethnographic dimensions. By incorporating globalization as a central macro-perspective, the chapters provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between formal language policies and informal politics and practices of language on the ground.

The chapters in this collection offer valuable insights into the delicate tools and methodologies employed to investigate, unravel, and comprehend the intricate connections between formal language policies and the informal politics and practices of language. Through vivid descriptions and case studies, the authors illustrate how these tools can be used to shed light on the grey areas that often exist between policy intentions and their actual implementation.

By celebrating the contributions of Sjaak Kroon and presenting a diverse range of perspectives, this edited volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of language policy and its impact on diverse communities. It provides a roadmap for future research and advocacy in this field, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In conclusion, this edited volume is a testament to the profound impact of Sjaak Kroon's work and a must-read for anyone seeking to advance their understanding of the ethnography of education, immigrant minority language teaching, and language politics.

Weight: 273g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030887254
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021