MODULE 9: LANGUAGE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Definition and Scope

Language planning and development (LPD) is a deliberate effort to influence the
function, structure, and acquisition of languages within a community or
country. This involves a range of activities including the creation of an official
language policy, the development of language standards, and the design of
educational language programs. LPD aims to meet specific linguistic, political,
and social objectives, such as promoting national unity or addressing minority
language rights.
Historical Background
Language planning has roots that trace back to the early 19th century when
nation-states began forming. It gained momentum in the 20th century,
especially during post-colonial periods when newly independent states sought
to establish national languages to foster unity and identity. The work of
linguists like Einar Haugen, who emphasized the stages of language planning,
has been pivotal in shaping contemporary approaches to LPD.
Importance and Aims
The importance of LPD cannot be understated as it directly impacts societal
integration, identity, and social cohesion. The aims of LPD are multifaceted,
ranging from the preservation and revitalization of endangered languages to the
promotion of a lingua franca to facilitate communication and economic
development. These aims are often influenced by sociopolitical, cultural, and
economic factors.
Key Components of Language Planning and Development
Status Planning
Status planning focuses on the function of a language within a society. It
involves legal and policy efforts to designate official languages, promote
bilingualism, and manage multilingual environments.
 Legal Framework: This includes enacting laws that specify official
languages and prescribe their use in government, education, and public
life. For example, the Language Act in Finland ensures equal status for
Finnish and Swedish.
 Official Language Designation: Countries often designate one or more
official languages to unify diverse populations. An example of this is the
adoption of Filipino and English as official languages in the Philippines.
Corpus Planning
Corpus planning involves the development and reform of a language's
structure, including its vocabulary, syntax, and orthography.
 Standardization: This is the process of developing and codifying a
standard language form to be used in educational and official contexts.
For example, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) was standardized to
facilitate pan-Arab communication.
 Modernization: Updating a language to meet modern needs, such as
coining new terms for technological advancements. The creation of new
terms in the Welsh language for computer-related concepts is a case in
point.
Acquisition Planning
Acquisition planning is focused on increasing the number of speakers of a
language through education and other forms of dissemination.
 Educational Policies: Implementing language education programs in
schools to teach the official or national language(s). In Canada, policies
promote bilingual education in both English and French.
 Language Learning Resources: Developing and distributing textbooks,
online courses, and other materials to facilitate language acquisition. For
instance, the proliferation of Mandarin Chinese learning resources
globally supports acquisition planning efforts by China.
Prestige Planning
Prestige planning aims to enhance the societal value and appeal of a language.
 Societal Perception: Efforts to change attitudes towards a language and
its speakers. For instance, campaigns to elevate the status of Maori in
New Zealand.
 Media Influence: Utilizing media to promote language use and prestige,
such as broadcasting in indigenous languages on television and radio.
Case Studies of Language Planning in Different Countries
Multilingual Education in Cambodia
The Multilingual Education National Action Plan (MENAP) of Cambodia
provides a comprehensive approach to promoting multilingual education within
the country. The initiative aims to integrate minority languages into the
educational system, ensuring that all children, including those from ethnic
minorities, receive a quality education.
  Challenges and Strategies: Implementation of the MENAP has faced
challenges such as limited resources and teacher training. Strategies to
address these include community engagement and the use of indigenous
teaching assistants.
Language Policy in the Philippines
Language policy in the Philippines is characterized by the promotion of
bilingualism and multilingualism. Filipino, based on Tagalog, is the national
language, and English is also an official language. Language planning in the
Philippines seeks to balance the use of Filipino and English while promoting
regional languages.
 Ideological Underpinnings: The policy is influenced by a desire to foster
national unity while enabling participation in the global economy. The
goal is to maintain linguistic diversity while promoting proficiency in
Filipino and English for socio-economic advancement.
European Language Education Models
Europe offers diverse approaches to language education, often emphasizing
bilingual and trilingual education models.
 Bilingual and Trilingual Education Efforts: Countries like Luxembourg
implement trilingual education systems where students learn in
Luxembourgish, French, and German. This approach promotes
multilingual proficiency and cultural understanding.
Challenges in Language Planning and Development
Sociopolitical Factors
Language planning often intersects with politics, leading to challenges related
to ethnic conflicts and political resistance.
 Ethnic Conflicts: In multilingual countries, the promotion of one language
over others can exacerbate ethnic tensions. For instance, India's
language policy has faced resistance from non-Hindi speaking states.
 Political Resistance: Policies promoting minority languages may face
opposition from political groups favoring linguistic assimilation. In the
United States, efforts to promote bilingual education have met with fierce
political debate.
Economic Constraints
Economic limitations are a significant hurdle in implementing effective LPD.
 Funding and Resource Allocation: Developing educational materials,
training teachers, and standardizing languages require substantial
financial investment. Many countries struggle to allocate sufficient funds
for comprehensive LPD initiatives.
Educational Challenges
Educational infrastructure and human resources pose a challenge to LPD
efforts.
 Teacher Training: Teachers need specialized training to effectively teach
in multiple languages or to implement new language policies. Inadequate
training programs can hinder LPD success.
 Curriculum Development: Creating and updating curriculum to include
multiple languages and relevant cultural contexts is complex and
resource-intensive.
Technological Barriers
Access to and effective use of technology is crucial for modern LPD.
 Digital Divide: In many regions, especially rural areas, there is limited
access to technology, reducing the reach of language learning programs.
 Access to Modern Learning Tools: The availability of up-to-date learning
software, online resources, and digital platforms varies, impacting
language learning effectiveness.
Strategies to Overcome Challenges
Community Involvement and Advocacy
Engaging communities in LPD processes ensures that language policies and
programs are culturally relevant and widely accepted. Community involvement
includes local advocacy groups, parent-teacher associations, and indigenous
organizations playing a role in decision-making and implementation.
International Cooperation and Funding
Collaborations with international organizations and donor agencies can provide
the necessary financial and technical support for LPD initiatives. UNESCO, for
example, supports language preservation and educational programs globally.
Utilization of Technology in Language Learning
Harnessing technology, such as online courses, mobile apps, and digital
resources, can facilitate language acquisition and dissemination. Initiatives like
Duolingo for Schools provide accessible language learning tools to a broad
audience.
Tailored Educational Programs
Developing programs that cater to the specific linguistic and cultural needs of
different communities ensures better educational outcomes. Flexible and
adaptive curricula can address the diverse requirements of multilingual
societies.
Impact of Successful Language Planning
National Unity and Identity
Effective LPD can foster a sense of national identity and unity. By promoting a
common language, countries can enhance social cohesion and national pride.
Economic Development and Globalization
Proficiency in global languages can increase a country's economic prospects by
enabling better integration into the global economy. Multilingual populations
are often more adaptable and competitive in international markets.
Educational Outcomes
Improved language planning leads to better educational outcomes, as students
receive instruction in languages they understand well, facilitating better
learning. This, in turn, contributes to higher literacy rates and overall
educational attainment.
Conclusion
Language planning and development play a critical role in shaping societal
structures, educational outcomes, and national identities. By addressing the
challenges and implementing effective strategies, countries can promote
linguistic diversity, enhance national unity, and improve socio-economic
conditions. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance
of thoughtful and comprehensive LPD will continue to grow.
Performance Task Worksheet: Language Planning and Development
Task Overview
Students will conduct a reflective research paper investigating language
planning and development in various countries. This task aims to develop
research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize and reflect upon
information.
Task Instructions
1. Choose a Country
o Select a country that has implemented significant language
planning and development policies. Consider countries like
Canada, India, South Africa, or Israel.
2. Research
o Gather information from credible sources such as academic
journals, governmental reports, and credible news articles.
o Focus on the key components: Status Planning, Corpus Planning,
Acquisition Planning, and Prestige Planning.
3. Structure Your Paper
o Introduction: Provide an overview of language planning, its
importance, and introduce the country you have chosen (approx.
300 words).
o Key Components of Language Planning in Your Chosen
Country: Write a detailed analysis of the country’s language
planning efforts, addressing the following sub-sections (approx.
1500 words):
 Status Planning
 Corpus Planning
 Acquisition Planning
 Prestige Planning
o Challenges: Discuss challenges faced by the country in
implementing these policies (approx. 600 words).
 o Reflection: Reflect on the success and impact of the language
planning in the chosen country. What lessons can other countries
learn? (approx. 600 words).
o Conclusion: Summarize the key points and reflect on the future of
language planning in the chosen country (approx. 300 words).
4. Formatting
o Use Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced.
o Include proper citations using APA format.
o 3000 words in total.
Analytic Rubric for Assessment
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory Needs
(2) Improvement
(1)
Introduction Clear, insightful Good Introduction Weak
introduction introduction is basic and introduction
with strong with clear lacks clear with no clear
context setting. context but context. context.
lacks depth.
Key Comprehensive Good Basic Weak or
Components analysis of all analysis of analysis with missing
four components some analysis; few
components with relevant relevant or no
with strong examples. examples. examples.
examples.
Challenges Thorough Good Basic Weak
discussion of discussion discussion discussion;
challenges with with some lacking lacking
depth and depth. depth. clarity and
clarity. depth.
Reflection Insightful and Good Basic Weak
well-articulated reflection reflection reflection;
reflection with clear with simple surface-level
demonstrating points made. points. insights.
depth of
thought.
Conclusion Strong Clear Basic Weak or
 summary with summary summary missing
clear with some with few summary
connections to connections connections without clear
research and to research. to research. connections.
reflection.
Research Extensive use of Good use of Satisfactory Poor use of
Quality credible sources credible use of sources;
with proper APA sources with sources with many
citations. minor some citation citation
citation errors. errors.
errors.
Writing and Clear, well- Good writing Writing is Poor writing
Formatting organized with some adequate but with many
writing with minor with notable errors; does
minimal errors; errors; errors; not follow
adheres to mostly doesn’t fully guidelines.
formatting follows follow
guidelines. guidelines. guidelines.
Steps for Research
1. Select Sources
o Identify at least three academic journals, government publications,
or credible news sources related to language planning in the
chosen country.
2. Take Notes
o Summarize key points related to status planning, corpus planning,
acquisition planning, and prestige planning.
3. Draft Outline
o Create a detailed outline based on the provided structure.
4. Write and Edit
o Write the paper following the outline, then revise for clarity,
coherence, and adherence to the rubric.
Example References
1. Edutopia (n.d.). Performance-Based Assessment: Reviewing the
Basics. Edutopia.
2. CAL.org. (n.d.). Designing Performance-based Assessment Tasks. CAL.
 3. Lewis University. (n.d.). Writing a Reflection Paper. Lewis University.
Following this worksheet, students will be able to execute a comprehensive and
reflective research paper on language planning in a chosen country, enhancing
their understanding and analytical skills in language studies. If you need more
detailed content, please prompt to continue generating.