Book Description

Discourse and Struggle in Minority Language Policy Formation presents a new approach to the study of language policy, by focusing on language policy formation and implementation as a dynamic, conflict-laden process involving the interaction of various actors with different motivations and uneven bargaining powers, rather than as a product, examinable post hoc from existing language legislation. This approach places competing ideologies and both institutional and non-institutional bargaining centrally in language policy formation processes, thus creating a dynamic analytical framework that permits examination of various forms of discursive, legal and institutional struggle at each stage of the language policy process, from policy design down to actual patterns of language attitudes and behaviours (i.e. policy acceptance or rejection) at grassroots levels. The book develops this framework through a case study of Regional and Minority Language politics and policy-making in the EU, with specific reference to the impact of European integration and European language politics upon French minority language policy for Corsica.