An Introduction to Language Policy Theory and Method.

An Introduction to Language Policy: Theory and Method Thomas Ricento (Ed.) Oxford: Blackwell, 2006 Pp xii + 371 Ⅲ This book provides an excellent introduction to a wide range of theoretical and methodological perspectives on language policy (LP) that are not usually found in language policy books In addition, it is an easy-to-read, well-organized treatment of many of the issues associated with language, society, and social change As a comprehensive collection of important articles concerning LP theories, methods, and issues written by wellrecognized LP researchers, this book achieves its goal as “a thorough introduction to the principal theories and methods which are used in current research in language policy” (p x) The book consists of 19 chapters, grouped into three main sections The first section, “Theoretical Perspectives in Language Policy,” is devoted to the discussion of influential theories proposed to explain the role of language and language policies in the shaping of societies around the world In the overview chapter, Ricento mentions that “language policies are made, or are implicitly acknowledged and practiced, in all societal domains” (p 19) The understanding of how the existing LP theories interact with practices in different areas of society will help generate new lines of research and methods Recognizing LP research as both a multidisciplinary and an interdisciplinary activity, Ricento proposes that “conceptual and methodological tools borrowed from various disciplines need to be appropriately integrated and applied to real-world problems and challenges involving languages, which by definition, are embedded in all aspects of society and social life” (p 9) Hornberger (chapter 2) provides a historical overview of the development of language policy and planning, and proposes an integrative language policy and planning framework based on previous works of scholars The remaining chapters in this section concern five LP theories Critical theory (rooted in critical applied linguistics) by Tollefson (chapter 3) applies two key assumptions to LP: structural categories (i.e., class, race, and gender) and a critical examination of epistemology and research methodology in relation to ethical standards and political commitments to social justice Pennycook (chapter 4), although accepting that it is hard to see the relationship between LP and postmodernism, proposes that a postmodern approach may “suggest a rethinking of our social, economic, and political categories in favor of a more localized understanding of modes in governmentality” (p 71) Similarly, Grin (chapter 5) mentions that an economic approach can help people evaluate different avenues and make wiser choices Schmidt (chapter 6) asserts that a political viewpoint is a usual approach providing “insights and reasoned interpretations of what is at stake in political conflicts over language policy” (p 107) In the final chapter in this section, Schiffman (chapter 7) views language policy 380 TESOL QUARTERLY (i.e., decision making about language at a top-down level) as interconnected to linguistic culture (i.e., every cultural thing that speakers bring with them when dealing with language or de facto) Turning to methods in researching and evaluating language policy, the second section, “Methodological Perspectives in Language Policy,” discusses how theories and methods within disciplines have contributed to a better understanding of issues addressed in subfields of language policy In an overview, Ricento calls for the “use of multiple methods in exploring important questions about language status, language identity, language use, and other topics that fall within the purview of research” (p 129) Wiley (chapter 8) explicitly states that through careful and cautious investigation of history, language policy formation can be better informed Canagarajah (chapter 9) proposes that ethnographic methods can help assess the effectiveness of language policies as well as the tension created by policies Wodak (chapter 10) suggests that discourse analysis can shed light on the ambivalence and the ideological dilemmas that need to be taken into careful consideration when language policies are debated Cartwright (chapter 11) shows how geolinguistic analysis can provide deeper insights into the development of current patterns in human contact and interaction among different cultural groups, and how this information can be used to inform policy-makers’ decisions In the last chapter, Baker (chapter 12) discusses a psychosociological approach to analysis, and discusses how this approach, with both qualitative and quantitative methods, can contribute to making language policy The third section of the book, “Topical Areas in Language Policy,” describes how language policy affects all aspects of social identity and social change In an overview, Ricento asserts that people define their identity and others’ through languages, and just one or a few languages are selected to be national language(s) in a multilingual community This situation unfortunately often leads to conflicts Based on a Tanzanian sample that shows the ineffectiveness of singular projections of language on national identity, Blommaert (chapter 13) proposes that language policy should be considered a “niched” activity (p 249), which is interconnected with other factors May (chapter 14) discusses LP and minorities’ rights, stating that it is crucial to adopt a wider sociohistorical, sociocultural, and sociopolitical analysis to understand and promote the right of minority groups’ languages Skutnabb-Kangas (chapter 15) insists that language rights are vital because they are the basis of human rights Similarly, Paulston and Heidemann (chapter 16) discuss human rights in terms of education policies for minorities They advance that “a language policy is never simply and only about language” (p 305); it is related to power and inequity Unlike other chapters, Joshua Fishman’s chapter (chapter 17) concerns language shift Policy makers should be made aware of consequences of primary policies on other aspects of society that result in language decline, language death, and REVIEWS 381 language shift Reagan (chapter 18) calls for the promotion of an explicit and implicit agenda in order to increase sign language users’ rights In the final chapter, Phillipson (chapter 19) discusses the role of English as a lingual franca, or linguistic imperialism, in globalization English is perceived as a threat to other languages and causes tensions at international and national levels of society, as well as between top-down and bottom-up levels Overall, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to LP theories and methods It offers an excellent overview to both well-established and new approaches in the field (e.g., geolinguistics), together with key concepts and samples of studies In addition, it exposes the reader to controversial issues and domains that are affected by LP This is vital because a policy must address both linguistic and nonlinguistic elements in society, because studying only one aspect and ignoring others will “provide a very incomplete and biased view” (Spolsky, 2004, p 40) The selected annotated bibliographies offer a useful starting point for further reading and research in the LP field The usefulness of the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, however, may be less apparent Although they may help the reader to understand the content, they not lead to higher thought or ideas for further research Given the lack of LP books containing a combination of explicit discussions of various LP theories, methods, and major issues, this book provides a comprehensive overview It is useful for novice LP researchers, and it is suitable for an introductory course in language planning and policy at the graduate level Also, experienced researchers in language policy, education, applied linguistics, and related fields will appreciate the in-depth and thorough discussions of the wide range of issues presented REFERENCE Spolsky, B (2004) Language policy: Keys topics in sociolinguistics Cambridge: Cambridge University Press ANGKANA TONGPOON Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen, Thailand Adult Biliteracy: Sociocultural and Programmatic Responses Klaudia M Rivera and Ana Huerta-Macías (Eds.) New York: Erlbaum, 2008 Pp xiv + 225 Ⅲ What is the relationship between biliteracy and TESOL studies? What does research tell us about the role of the first language in acquiring 382 TESOL QUARTERLY