160112 PS Specific Problems of Language Policy (2016S)

Description:
This seminar is focusing on the role of language policy (LP) in multilingual contexts. LP, for example, defines the relations between languages and their speakers, the functions of the different languages or the promotion of specific languages. Yet, also in so called monolingual contexts, LP has a role to play, for example in the case of heterogeneous school classes. As LP is never neutral, but always historically contingent, the question emerges of what the maintenance of such categories as "monolingual" and "multilingual"; actually means. It is through the analysis of LP that we can unpack the role of "language" in specific social-political project as well as 1) the aims of LP (explicit vs implicit), 2) interests that are behind LP regulations or could be related to them, 3) language ideologies that have an impact on language regulations. In the context of the seminar, we thus highlight emblematic moments in which, e.g. LP attempts to force monolingual ideologies onto multilingual realities and lives or we critically discuss seemingly democratic approaches to diversity and its promotion. We will try to understand the links between LP, (potentially new) language hierarchies, and social inequalities. Finally, we will ask when, under which conditions and with which consequences LP becomes a proxy or an instance of symbolic politics.

In order to enable a critical and in-depth discussion, we will read both fundamental texts to LP research as well as recent publications in (critical) sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology that focus on specific issues of LP in a wide range of multilingual constellations, in which specific forms of LP are negotiated, enacted, and implemented. Examples are the EU and Europe, bilingual cities (e.g. Biel/Bienne in Switzerland) or provinces (e.g. New Brunswick in Canada), minority languages (e.g. Catalan and Occitan), transnational contexts such as the Soviet Union or the religious community of Ismailis. Last but not least, the students will acquire in-depth knowledge of a specific case of their interest, which will be presented in-class and elaborated on in a research paper.

Language:
The course will be held in German; texts are in German and English (cf. Moodle).

Aim:
It is the aim of this course that students are able to develop their own research questions on the complex of language policy and multilingualism. The students will have read the relevant literature in the course of the semester and obtained an overview oft he most relevant topics and question in this regard.