Language Problems and Language Planning - Volume 46, Issue 1, 2022

Abstract

This paper highlights the important role of Pidgin in economic development in West Africa. We use a unificationist model of dependence relations to explain the nexus between West African Pidgin (WAP) and the region’s socio-economic development. The study draws on the formidable role that Pidgin plays as the language of communication in the thriving informal cross-border markets along the Nigerian-Cameroonian border. The use of Pidgin is a special case of the general phenomenon of indigenous languages that serve as vehicular languages of the informal economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper argues that the existence of WAP as a language of informal economic activities in this region fosters cooperation and social cohesion that plays a role in the expansion of informal cross-border trade, which is a primary source of household income for the people. The research reveals a sociolinguistic dimension to the expansion of informal economic activities that are a prerequisite to wealth creation and poverty elimination. This finding also suggests that Pidgin can be harnessed for an efficient transition from the informal to the formal economy. Therefore, the paper advocates a region-wide language policy that recognizes Pidgin as a factor in the region’s economic growth and development.

Abstract

Language policy, which is directly concerned with organizational operation, functions, and objectives, has become an increasingly important issue in international organizations (IOs). However, research on IOs’ language policies, especially exploration based on large-scale data, is rather limited. Using data from the Yearbook of International Organizations (2020–2021), this study explores how IOs select their languages. It is found that: (1) Federations of IOs and IGOs are more likely to choose languages other than English, whereas universal membership organizations and NGOs are much more likely to use English; (2) IOs headquartered in Western countries adopt more diverse languages than those in Asia, and those headquartered in developed countries are more prone to choose local language(s) than those in developing countries; (3) IOs with a longer history tend more towards multilingualism; (4) IOs dealing with religion, law, society, transportation, and communication are more inclined to be multilingual; and (5) IOs with individual members generally choose fewer languages than those with IO members. These findings reveal that IOs’ language management is shaped not only by internal and external organizational features, but also by the interactions between these features and language values.

Abstract

In a world where linguistic and cultural diversity is increasingly celebrated, opting for English as the sole working language, as stipulated in the ASEAN Charter, on pragmatic grounds, has made ASEAN an interesting case study from the language policy and planning (LPP) perspective. ASEAN’s LPP can be understood as the manifestation of the principles of the ‘ASEAN Way’, i.e., quiet diplomacy, non-interference, and flexible consensus. Drawing on an analysis of the three overarching principles of the ASEAN Way and with reference to the ASEAN Charter, this paper problematises the ASEAN Way of LPP, arguing that a monolingual and essentialist approach to LPP might be both insufficient and inappropriate, and calls for an ecology-of-languages paradigm for ASEAN LPP. It invites readers to reimagine language policy that is more inclusive, democratic and socially equitable – one that reflects the sociolinguistic diversity of Southeast Asia and the Association.

Abstract (English)

This article aims to explore the possibility that learning Toki Pona, a “minimalist” constructed language with a total lexicon of only 123 words, may help students to develop their skills in using communication strategies in the foreign or second language they are learning. After a general introduction on constructed languages, three sections follow: one introducing Toki Pona, one presenting the research hypothesis and aim, and another outlining communications strategies. The article continues with the methodology employed and a discussion of the results obtained. These show that learning Toki Pona may indeed help the students to improve their communication strategies, and particularly circumlocution, so that they can avoid breakdowns in communication when they do not know or do not remember a word or expression.

This article reviews Language politics and policies. Perspectives from Canada and the United States£95.00

This article reviews English and Translation in the European Union: Unity and Multiplicity in the Wake of Brexit

This article reviews French Immersion Ideologies in Canada