Overview

A module covering current issues in language policy and planning. Using research-based materials, students will delve into topics such as the typology of language planning, the evaluation of language vitality, and the role of language attitudes in maintaining linguistic diversity. Classes are based on cases studies of language policy & planning across Europe with a particular focus on situations involving regional, minority and contested languages. Students will learn from first-hand research, developing a good understanding of what the current issues in language policy and planning are, and learning how to evaluate potential solutions to current theoretical and methodological challenges.

Representative topics will include: 1. the properties and typology of language planning. 2. language policies across Europe. 3. how to evaluate language vitality and endangerment. 4. language attitudes and their role in language vitality 5. understanding and evaluating methods for the measurement of language attitudes 6. language and social subordination. 7. language maintenance in minority language settings. 8. language contestation

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C (50%): The answer must address the question. The answer must show a basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant key areas and principles of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The student must show evidence of being able to apply the principles to the analysis of language and linguistic examples and/or data. The answer must show evidence of some background study. -good -B: The answer must be focussed and structured. The answer must show a better-than-average standard of knowledge and understanding of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The linguistic examples used in the answer may be based upon examples from the literature but must also include original examples. The answer must show evidence of background study with at least some from primary sources. -excellent -A: The answer must be highly focused and well-structured. The answer must show comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding. The answer must show some original interpretation, new links between topics and/or a new approach to a problem. The answer must show evidence of extensive background study using primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and critically evaluate the literature on language policy and planning, its relevance and theoretical as well as methodological contributions.

• Evaluate and assess the principles underlying methods for the measurement of linguistic vitality and their outcomes, their methodological value and theoretical contributions.

• Evaluate, assess and select research methods commonly used in research on language policy and planning.

• Summarise and evaluate the main issues in the study of language policy and planning.