Common notions about language policy that are often shared among non-specialists are that (1) language policies exist, (2) they are necessary, and (3) they are neutral. This course challenges the underlying assumptions behind these common notions and more. Specifically, the class introduces several larger issues related language policy and language planning: language rights; the provenance of policy; notions of official languages and national languages; the role of language planning in indigenous, marginalized, ‘developing’, or otherwise minoritized communities. Data and case studies will feature Timor-Leste, Singapore, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Rwanda, Greenland, Germany, Brazil, and the USA.
- Lehrende(r): Melody Ann Ross