Michael Herriman

Language Policies in English-dominant Countries Michael Herriman

Recent years have seen the development of language policies in many countries, usually for the purpose of defining status, support and recognition of languages and language diversity. This book analyses policy development in six countries where, because of its association with colonial expansion, English has become the dominant language and hence the language of power, government and civil commerce, often replacing other local languages. Recent demographic and political changes have forced a recognition of the need for re-defining the role and status of language(s) relative to English and to one another and for according linguistic rights to speakers of the non-official language(s). The case studies presented here show the diversity of responses to language issues when taken up officially or by default, and record the struggle of minority-language speakers to attain rights and recognition in education and social services. There is clear evidence of the status impact of decisions on language at all levels and a startling revelation of the intractability of language issues to solutions. The book will be of interest to academics, politicians, educators and students of linguistics, cultural and comparative studies.