Chapter 17: Analysing Language Policy Texts: A Two-Pronged Approach

A new trend emerged in language policy (LP) research in recent years with the recognition that relevant decision making is influenced by socio-political and economic factors rather than by purely linguistic reasons (Cooper, 1989; Ricento, 2000; Tollefson, 1991; Wiley 1999; Williams, 1992). The new approach views language planning as not “ideologically neutral” (Pennycook, 1995, p. 39; Williams, 1992, p. 123), or “empty of ideological content” (Tollefson, 1991, p. 11). As language policies are seen as safeguarding the interests of powerful groups in society and promoting their views and ideologies, the new trend looks for ideologies, values, and views that may lurk behind language policies disguised as solutions to language problems (Hornberger, 2006, Tollefson, 1991).