Language planning can influence language policy in many different spheres of influence e.g. workplace; education; national. Drawing on one case study detail how language planning has led to changes in policy and language use in one community of language users.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Answer only ONE of the questions from the list below.
- Ensure the question chosen is written in full on your answer paper.
- Do not exceed 3,000 words.
- Milroy’s (1980) social network study in Belfast is pivotal in emphasizing the impact of social solidarity on language variation and change. Discuss the details of this study and at least one other more contemporary study in your discussion of the impact of social variables on language use and language change.
- Bilingual studies have contributed to a re-evaluation of conclusions drawn from variationist studies which see language as a reflection of social categories, prestige etc. It would seem that command and exploitation of multiple codes enhances socio-cultural identities and enriches communicative strategies. Discuss this in relation to a bilingual study or studies of your choice.
- Research in educational sociolinguistics has examined the significance and role of language in educational success. Much work has focussed on difficulties experienced by some students when there are differences between language use in the classroom and language use in students’ homes and communities. With reference to studies of particular student groups (e.g. African American students in the USA; Deaf or migrant children), document the types of difficulties students experience and possible remedies to ensure academic success in the future.
Research educational sociolinguistics has examined relationships between language and education with a particular focus on the differences between language use in the classroom and language use commonly found in the students’ homes and communities. Discuss debates for and against using localised languages of the home
as languages of education with reference to studies.
- Gal’s (1978) study in Obserwart offers a less deterministic and more dynamic view of language and gender compared to other studies. Her work demonstrates that males and females in this community appear to occupy variable social positions working towards different roles/statuses. Compare her study with a more recent account of language and gender and consider how these studies ‘fit’ within the difference/dominance/social constructionist paradigms.
- Language planning can influence language policy in many different spheres of influence e.g. workplace; education; national. Drawing on one case study detail how language planning has led to changes in policy and language use in one community of language users.
