Linguistic Policy, Social Values and the Sciences. Reflections in the Framework of Quebecois Linguistic Policy

• Published in: International journal of the sociology of language 2002-01, Vol.158 (158), p.183-209
• Main Author: Martel, Angeline
• Format: Article
• Language: fre
• Subjects: Group Identity; Ideologies; Language Policy; Plural Societies; Quebec; Rights; Security; Social Values
• ISSN: 0165-2516

This article provides an analysis of the relationship between linguistic policy & social values in the evolution of ideas & linguistic rights toward goals of harmony in diversity. To situate the text in a concrete context, the author makes use of examples of linguistic policy, in particular that of Quebec, insofar as its problems are relevant to international contexts. First, she questions the importance of those interventionist social policies that are called "linguistic policies," using as an example the expansion & transformation of Latin. She concludes that linguistic policies are essential in the organization of contemporary societies, but they must be guided by identity & humanitarianism. Thus, the formation of "linguistic policy" is fundamental within a given territory, & rights play a pedagogical role both on a political level & in everyday life to frame peaceful intergroup relations. Second, she identifies a dynamic common to all nations & underlying all debates relating to linguistic policy: the alternating visions of safety & insecurity. Safety in a language is a fine balance in a collective in which citizens participate. Insecurity, however, comes from many sources: eg, migration, urban spread, & public advertising. The debate surrounding this dynamic between security & insecurity is often fed by values that sociolinguistic research clarifies for the public eye. Third, she challenges linguistic policy to clearly articulate its vision within an ideology of competition, which separates individuals & groups, & an ideology of solidarity, which links them & supports their common advance. If the ideology of solidarity is adopted, how then can linguistic policy be designed so that a language & its speakers are safe while building intergroup networks of solidarity & sharing? An ideological pivot is proposed: individual liability & collective security. 38 References. Adapted from the source document.