THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO LANGUAGE PLANNING

Peter Mühlhäusler
University of Adelaide

1) Introduction.

Theories have to do work: they help solve problems.

Theories are explicit,
Theories are structural,
Theories are falsifiable.

Theories make prejudices known.
Theories remove falsehoods.

2) Problems for Language Planners.

Todays solution could be tomorrow's problem.
What questions have planners asked?
There are good and bad problems.
One problem: How can one sustain linguistic, cultural and biological diversity?

3) Two established anthropocentric theories: classical and historical-structural.

Classical theory is a form of economic 'rationalism.'
Classical theory is concerned with economy of scale not economy of scope.
Classical theory has limitations and cost.

Historical-structural theory is concerned with social justice.
Historical-structural theory neglects economies and biological factors.

4) Ecological Theory of Language Planning.

Linguistic Diversity is functional,
Linguistic Diversity sustains biodiversity,
Linguistic Diversity is structural,
Linguistic Diversity is about sustainable, functional interrelationships.

Ecological Principles of Management.

The need for management is the sign of a sick ecology.
One can only manage what one knows.
One can only manage what one cares for.
The aim of good management should be to reduce the need for management.
Different Ecologies require different management.

5) A brief case study: Norfolk (Norfolk Island - South Pacific).

It is dangerous to focus on charismatic species only.
Languages are embedded in complex societies - there is no simple or single solution.
Language revival is a slow process.

6) Some conclusions.

We need to identify the best problems.
One problem:
How can one restore / maximize the functional links between linguistic, cultural and biological diversity?

Eco means: making optimal use of scarce resources.
Good intentions are no substitute for knowledge.