Language Planning and Language Ecology

Abstract

In an ecological approach language planning is seen as a process which is part of and closely interrelated with a large range of natural and cultural ecological factors. It is focused on the question of maintaining a maximum diversity of languages by seeking to identify those ecological factors that sustain linguistic diversity. Linguistic diversity in turn is seen as a precondition for maintaining cultural and biological diversity. The ultimate aim of ecological language planning is to bring about an ecological balance which no longer requires management. Ecological language planning differs from most conventional approaches to language planning both in its aims (diversity rather than standardisation) and the means required (community involvement rather than specialist management). This article contains a number of new ideas for language planners as well as suggestions as to how to transform them into practice.

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