Language Policy Evaluation and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

by F. Grin, Donall O Riagain, Regina Jensdottir, Donall O. Riagain (Contribution by), Regina Jensdottir (Contribution by)

Overview

This book proposes an innovative treatment of minority language policies, by looking at them as policy options that can be methodically evaluated. The author applies the analytical concepts and technical tools of policy analysis to guide the reader through a step-by-step application of notions such as effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, with particular reference to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The thrust of this book is deeply interdisciplinary, and links the evaluation exercise to sociolinguistic, political and legal considerations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781403900326
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	08/19/2003
Edition description:	2003
Pages:	281
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

DONALL Ó RIÁGAIN Independent Consultant on language planning and a former President and Secretary General of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages
REGINA JENSDÓTTIR Works for the Council of Europe where she is in charge of coordinating activities of the Committee of Experts monitoring the implementation of the Charter

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgements PART I: Core Issues and Concepts Introduction and Overview Language Policy PART II: The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages The Charter: An Overview Implementing the Charter: Organisational Issues PART III: Application From Legal Texts to 'Good Policy' Effectiveness Costs and Cost-Effectiveness Democracy A Walk-Through Example: Language Education Policy Conclusions Assessment and Perspectives Bibliography Appendices: The Text of the Charter; Explanatory Report on the Charter; The Flensburg Recommendations; Selected Internet Resources

Editorial Reviews

'Overall, this is a groundbreaking book, scholarly and well researched. It is relevant beyond the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages as it encompasses universal themes in language policy. Strong and expert on the more quantitative approach to the evaluation of policy implementation, there is a consideration of major concepts that is engaged critically and constructively.' - Colin Baker, University of Wales for The Journal of Sociolinguistics.

'François Grin is a well established and informed commentator on European linguistic issues. This volume reflects both his wide knowledge of language policy-related affairs and his incisive interpretation of key trends which are likely to structure the contours of the minority language landscape...Both the authors and the publishers are to be congratulated for producing this volume.' - Colin H Williams, Current Issues in Language Planning

From the Publisher