An Introduction to Language Policy: Theory and Method

An Introduction to Language Policy: Theory and Method provides an accessible introduction to the field of language policy through broad and in–depth coverage of the major theories and methods currently employed by scholars active in the field. The volume consists of newly commissioned essays, written by internationally recognized scholars, in three areas: theoretical perspectives, methodological perspectives, and topical areas. Each section contains an overview and each chapter includes an annotated bibliography and discussion questions. This book helps define and describe a growing field of inquiry and is an authoritative source for students, scholars, and researchers in linguistics, applied linguistics, education, policy studies, and related areas.

List of Contributors. Preface. Part I. Theoretical Perspectives in Language Policy: An Overview(Thomas Ricento) . 1. Language Policy: Theory and Practice – An Introduction (Thomas Ricento). 2. Frameworks and Models in Language Policy and Planning (Nancy H.Hornberger). 3. Critical Theroy in Language Policy (James W. Tollefson). 4. Postmodernism in Language Policy (Alastair Pennycook). 5. Economic Considerations in Language Policy (FranVois Grin). 6. Political Theory and Language Policy (Ronald Schmidt, Sr). 7. Language Policy and Linguistic Culture (Harold Schiffman). Part II. Methodological Perspectives in Language Policy. Methodological Perspectives in Language Policy: An Overview (Thomas Ricento). 8. The Lessons of Historical Investigation: Implications for the Study of Language Policy and Planning (Terrence G. Wiley). 9. Ethnographic Methods in Language Policy (Suresh Canagarajah). 10. Linguistic Analyses in Language Policies (Ruth Wodak). 11. Geolinguistic Analysis in Language Policy (Don Cartwright). 12. Psycho–Sociological Analysis in Language Policy (Colin Baker). Part III. Topical Areas in Language Policy. Topical Areas in Language Policy: An Overview (Thomas Ricento). 13. Language Policy and National Identity (Jan Blommaert). 14. Language Policy and Minority Rights (Stephen May). 15. Language Policy and Linguistic Human Rights (Tove Skutnabb–Kangas). 16. Language Policies and the Education of Linguistic Minorities (Christina Bratt Paulston and Kai Heidemann). 17. Lnaguage Policy and Language Shift (Joshua A. Fishman). 18. Language Policy and Sign Languages (Timothy Reagan). 19. Language Policy and Linguistic Imperialism (Robert Phillipson). Index.

Thomas Ricento is Professor in the Division of Bicultural–Bilingual Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is founding co–editor of the Journal of Language, Identity, and Education (with Terrence Wiley) and his publications include Americanization and Ideologies of Language (2005), and Ideology, Politics and Language Policies: Focus on English (edited, 2000).

"The book certainly succeeds in moving the field forward – not only by providing a varied range of topics... but also by exposing the reader to ′controversies′ in the field... The volume is well–written, well–edited and provides a wealth of information for linguists and non–linguists alike." Linguist List <!––end––> “International in coverage, imaginative in scope, this volume offers a comprehensive discussion of language planning and policy by renowned scholars. With copious references to assist readers in locating current resources, all contributions offer exciting possibilities as points of departure for lively discussion and productive research.” Mary McGroarty, Northern Arizona University “This is an excellent book that provides an accessible introduction to current issues without losing any of the complexity of the debate.” Sue Wright, Aston University "The collection is very well written and likely to be of use bth to readers with a central interest in language planning and to those studying or researching in cognative areas." Educational Review “This book sets the benchmark on how to make such a vital subject approachable whilst not sacrificing intellectual rigour.” Journal of Sociolinguistics