Product Description

An Introduction to Language Policy: Theory and Method provides an accessible introduction to the field of language policy through broad and in-depth coverage of the major theories and methods currently employed by scholars active in the field. The volume consists of newly commissioned essays, written by internationally recognized scholars, in three areas: theoretical perspectives, methodological perspectives, and topical areas. Each section contains an overview and each chapter includes an annotated bibliography and discussion questions.This book helps define and describe a growing field of inquiry and is an authoritative source for students, scholars, and researchers in linguistics, applied linguistics, education, policy studies, and related areas.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #518001 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
"The book certainly succeeds in moving the field forward - not only by providing a varied range of topics... but also by exposing the reader to 'controversies' in the field... The volume is well-written, well-edited and provides a wealth of information for linguists and non-linguists alike."
Linguist List

“International in coverage, imaginative in scope, this volume offers a comprehensive discussion of language planning and policy by renowned scholars. With copious references to assist readers in locating current resources, all contributions offer exciting possibilities as points of departure for lively discussion and productive research.”
Mary McGroarty, Northern Arizona University

“This is an excellent book that provides an accessible introduction to current issues without losing any of the complexity of the debate.”
Sue Wright, Aston University

"The collection is very well written and likely to be of use bth to readers with a central interest in language planning and to those studying or researching in cognative areas."
Educational Review

“This book sets the benchmark on how to make such a vital subject approachable whilst not sacrificing intellectual rigour.”
Journal of Sociolinguistics

From the Back Cover
An Introduction to Language Policy: Theory and Method provides an accessible introduction to the field of language policy through broad and in-depth coverage of the major theories and methods currently employed by scholars active in the field. The volume consists of newly commissioned essays, written by internationally recognized scholars, in three areas: theoretical perspectives, methodological perspectives, and topical areas. Each section contains an overview and each chapter includes an annotated bibliography and discussion questions.

This book helps define and describe a growing field of inquiry and is an authoritative source for students, scholars, and researchers in linguistics, applied linguistics, education, policy studies, and related areas.

About the Author
Thomas Ricento is Professor in the Division of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is founding co-editor of the Journal of Language, Identity, and Education (with Terrence Wiley) and his publications include Americanization and Ideologies of Language (2005), and Ideology, Politics and Language Policies: Focus on English (edited, 2000).

Customer Reviews

Great overview of the field
A collection of contributions from experts in the field, this book is for anyone who wants to get a sense of what language policy and planning is about. While Bernard Spolsky's book is more coherent and in-depth, it does not cover the broad range of topics that this book does. Starting with the theoretical orientations, as any book should, it goes on to talk about various methodological approaches to the field, and ends with discussions of different areas under discussion within the field. A great complement to Spolsky's book.