Toward a Context-Specific Language Policy for Developing Countries with an Emphasis on Language-in-Education.

N

194

Bilingual Education; Case Studies; Developing Nations; Ethnicity; Foreign Countries; Language of Instruction; Language Planning; Language Role; Minority Groups; Multilingualism; Policy Formation; Public Policy; Social Integration

Malaysia; Peru; Yugoslavia

A discussion of language policy and planning in developing nations with diverse student populations focuses on the role of language in education. Through review of the literature, history, and case studies, the relationship between language policy and the integration of ethnolinguistic minorities is examined. The first chapter surveys language-related issues in developing countries, including the instrumental and sentimental dimensions of language use, bilingualism and multilingualism, and three approaches to language: as problem, as resource, and as a right. Chapter 2 examines nation-building strategies often used by political authorities in developing countries and their potential effects on policy formation. The third chapter looks at defining characteristics of bilingual education and the unique qualities of language policies for education in different countries. A subsequent chapter examines the relationship between language and ethnicity, particularly as they relate to individual and ethnic identity. Chapter 5 presents case studies of the situations in Peru, Yugoslavia, and Malaysia. The final chapter outlines a framework for language planning to facilitate economic modernization and sociopolitical development while allowing for preservation of ethnic identity. A 251-item bibliography is included. (MSE)

1993

ED352839