Language Planning and Education

by Gibson Ferguson

Language Planning is a resurgent academic discipline, reflecting the importance of language in issues of migration, globalisation, cultural diversity, nation-building, education and ethnic identity. Written as an advanced introduction, this book engages with all these themes but focuses specifically on language planning as it relates to education, addressing such issues as bilingualism and the education of linguistic minority pupils in North America and Europe, the educational and equity implications of the global spread of English, and the choice of media of instruction in post-colonial societies. Contextualising this discussion, the first two chapters describe the emergence and evolution of language planning as an academic discipline, and introduce key concepts in the practice of language planning. The book is wide-ranging in its coverage, with detailed discussion of the context of language policy in a variety of countries and communities across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Key features* Accessible and readable introduction to the field.* Wide coverage of issues with illustrative examples from a range of countries in different continents.* Discussion exercises and suggestions for further reading.* Explores and comments on controversial issues.

Genres: Linguistics

248 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2006