Rethinking Language Policy

Bernard Spolsky's updated theory of language policy focuses on the individual speaker, examining language practices, beliefs, and planning efforts across various levels and domains. It highlights the diversity of linguistic repertoires and the multiplicity of forces that account for language shift and maintenance, making national policy difficult. Essential reading for policy makers, stakeholders, researchers, and students of language policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Bernard Spolsky's updated theory of language policy begins with the individual speaker, examining language practices, beliefs, and planning efforts of individuals, families, public and private institutions, local and national activists, advocates and managers, and nations. He explores the diversity of linguistic repertoires and the multiplicity of forces, linguistic and non-linguistic, that account for language shift and maintenance. By starting with the individual speaker and moving through the various levels and domains, Spolsky demonstrates the many different policies with which a national government must compete and illustrates why national policy is so difficult. This definitive guide to the field is essential reading for policy makers, stakeholders, researchers, and students of language policy.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474485463