Offers an overview over the fields of language policy and language planning and examines the German "Verein deutscher Sprache" and its strategies to influence on the development of the German language as an NGO without legal competences.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
2 LANGUAGE POLICY RESEARCH
2.1 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
2.2 RESEARCH FRAMEWORK: DEFINING THE KEY-TERMS
2.2.1 Language planning
2.2.2 Language policy
2.3 RESEARCH FRAMEWORK: POLICY, PLANNING AND THE SOCIOHISTORICAL CONTEXT
2.3.1 Sociohistorical context and language policy research
2.3.2 Language planning and policy and ideology
2.4 RESEARCH FRAMEWORK CONCLUSION: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC APPROACH TO LANGUAGE POLICY RESEARCH
3 ISSUES OF LANGUAGE POLICY RESEARCH ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE VEREIN DEUTSCHE SPRACHE
3.1 POLICY AND IDEOLOGY OF THE VDS
3.2 THE VDS AS INSTITUTION IN THE SOCIOHISTORICAL CONTEXT
4 CONCLUSION
5 BIBLIOGRAPHY
5.1 PRIMARY TEXTS
5.2 SECONDARY LITERATURE
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the evolution of language policy research within the field of sociolinguistics, shifting from technical, problem-oriented models to a critical framework that considers sociohistorical contexts and ideologies. It explores how language planning is inextricably linked to political, social, and economic goals, specifically through the case study of the Verein Deutsche Sprache (VDS).
- The historical development and theoretical paradigms of language policy research.
- The distinction and interrelationship between language planning and language policy.
- The influence of sociohistorical context and ideology on language-related strategies.
- A critical analysis of the Verein Deutsche Sprache as a case study for non-governmental language policy advocacy.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Policy and ideology of the VDS
The main policy of the VDS is “Sprachpflege“, meaning the preservation and maintenance of the German language against Anglo-American influence in the context of globalisation. It includes the demands for: the use of German in science; in school obligatory German classes to the end; consumer protection with the regard to `linguistic product safety´; the duty for companies and institutions to publish information in the national language (i.e. the use of Anglicism-free German); politicians, writers, journalists, linguists and cultural scientists to recognise the “Anglizismenproblem“ and to take sides for the German language; language loyalty. It is actually a policy promoting and aiming at a strong governmental language policy in favour of the German language, and it is favouring governmental language planning.
The general ideologies behind their policy is indeed closely connected to the beliefs and tendencies in language policy research presented in the first part of the term paper. First of all, they share the assumption that language is a major aspect of cultural identity. Cultural, economical and political independence, which is believed to be a necessity, is only realisable via linguistic independence as basis for the identity of the nation and its individuals. The independence of the German language is considered to be threatened by the linguistic hegemony of English, especially American English. This linguistic hegemony is part of a cultural, economical and political hegemony of the USA, a part and a result of globalisation.
Summary of Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION: Outlines the paper's focus on sociolinguistic approaches to language policy and the research gap regarding the sociohistorical context of such policies.
2 LANGUAGE POLICY RESEARCH: Provides a historical overview of the field, defining key terminology and emphasizing the shift toward incorporating social and political ideologies.
3 ISSUES OF LANGUAGE POLICY RESEARCH ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE VEREIN DEUTSCHE SPRACHE: Applies the theoretical framework to analyze the specific strategies and ideologies of the German non-governmental organization VDS.
4 CONCLUSION: Summarizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary, critical approach to language policy, noting that policies are rarely neutral and must be evaluated within their specific social context.
Keywords
Language Policy, Language Planning, Sociolinguistics, Sociohistorical Context, Ideology, Verein Deutsche Sprache, Linguistic Imperialism, Cultural Identity, Modernisation, Language Maintenance, Globalisation, Language Contact, Linguistic Human Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
This research focuses on the field of sociolinguistics, specifically exploring how language policy and language planning are not merely technical processes but are deeply embedded in sociohistorical contexts and ideological power structures.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The paper covers the historical phases of language policy research, the definition of key terms like "language planning" and "language policy," and the role of ideological influences on linguistic behavior.
What is the main objective of the paper?
The main objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of modern language policy research and to demonstrate its application through a critical examination of the Verein Deutsche Sprache.
What methodology is employed in this work?
The paper utilizes a critical-analytical methodology, contrasting traditional positivist research models with newer, sociolinguistically informed approaches that prioritize case studies and contextual interpretation.
What does the main body address?
The main body examines the shifting paradigms in research since the 1960s, the importance of "interestedness" in research, and how social theory informs the analysis of language-related organizational activities.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Language Policy, Language Planning, Sociolinguistics, Ideology, and the Sociohistorical Context of linguistic change.
How does the author define the VDS's role?
The author identifies the VDS as a non-governmental civic action group that advocates for the preservation of German against Anglo-American influence, acting as a case study for analyzing the intersection of language, ideology, and national identity.
What is the significance of the "Denglish" debate in this paper?
The debate surrounding "Denglish" illustrates the VDS’s view that uncontrolled language change—specifically the intrusion of Anglicisms—threatens the cultural and national identity of the German-speaking community.
- Quote paper
- Marc Regler (Author), 2003, Language Policy and Planning and the Sociohistorical Context, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25461
