Colin H. Williams - Böcker

Language revitalization is a challenging issue within contemporary Wales and a fascinating topic for inter-disciplinary analysis worldwide. This volume of essays assesses the current state of language policy and planning in Wales. It traces the historical development of the Welsh language struggle before turning to an analysis of the data sources which inform current policy decisions. The distinguished contributors then offer a range of critical perspectives on the operation of bilingual educational policies ranging from nursery education to adult education. Special attention is paid to community development efforts as well as to comparable language revitalization efforts in Ireland, the Basque country and Catalonia. The volume concludes with an assessment of current economic and political programmes which offer an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate the Welsh language within mainstream social thought and action. The scope and richness of this collection will make it a key reference for anyone interested in the phenomenon of language revival and language planning, Welsh society and history, public policy on language in society and bilingualism.

Examines the relationship between language and governance in Europe and Canada, dealing with theoretical debates, constitutional changes, political trends and language initiatives. This volume combines an amalgam of academic scrutiny and knowledge of the intricacies of promoting official and lesser used languages in Canada and parts of the EU.

Parents, Personalities and Power: Welsh-medium Schools in South-east Wales is the first volume ever published to investigate in depth the interdependent influences on the phenomenal growth of such schools over the last half century. Derived from a sustained research investigation based in the School of Welsh, Cardiff University (2003 - 8), the research is set within a constantly evolving linguistic, social and political society. The authors underline the international interest in the sustainable and continuing growth of the Ysgolion Cymraeg, and, as the title suggests, note the various powers that have influenced the shaping of the Welsh-school movement. These reflect the increased interest in the language and identity of Wales and the future challenges these schools face.

'New speakers' is a term used to describe those who have learnt a minority language not within their home or community settings, but through bilingual education, immersion or migration. Looking specifically at the impact of new speakers on language policy, this book provides an authoritative and detailed examination of minority language policy in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Basque Autonomous Community, Navarre, Catalonia and Galicia. Based on interviews with politicians, senior civil servants, academics and civil society activists, it assesses the extent to which interventions derived from a new speakers' perspective has been incorporated into official language practice. It describes several challenges faced by new speakers, before proposing specific recommendations on how to integrate them into established minority language communities. Shedding new light on the deeper issues faced by minority language communities, it is essential reading for students and researchers in sociolinguistics, language policy and planning, language education, bi- and multilingualism.

'New speakers' is a term used to describe those who have learnt a minority language not within their home or community settings, but through bilingual education, immersion or migration. Looking specifically at the impact of new speakers on language policy, this book provides an authoritative and detailed examination of minority language policy in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Basque Autonomous Community, Navarre, Catalonia and Galicia. Based on interviews with politicians, senior civil servants, academics and civil society activists, it assesses the extent to which interventions derived from a new speakers' perspective has been incorporated into official language practice. It describes several challenges faced by new speakers, before proposing specific recommendations on how to integrate them into established minority language communities. Shedding new light on the deeper issues faced by minority language communities, it is essential reading for students and researchers in sociolinguistics, language policy and planning, language education, bi- and multilingualism.

Through careful and systematic analysis of policy documents and data from a vast range of interviews with politicians, senior public servants, community representatives and academics, this book sheds light on the way in which different jurisdictions manage the process of implementing measures and legislation to enhance the vitality of selected languages and their speakers.Drawing on case studies from the Basque Autonomous Community, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Finland, Catalonia and Canada and the author’s first-hand experience as a language strategist who has advised governments in the UK, Ireland, the EU, Canada and RSA, the book brings language policy to life through close engagement with the stories and narratives of people who shape policy decisions. This provides real understanding of the mechanics of regulation in minority language policy and how it is taken up and implemented (or not) and why this happens.