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.
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This text focuses on the significance of the Welsh language in today's society and explores methods employed to keep the language alive.
Introduction to language revitalization; the statistical basis for Welsh language planning; language revitalization - the role of the Welsh Language Board; Welsh language education - a strategy for revitalization; the development of Welsmedium education in Cardiff; planning for the use of Welsh by young people; adult education - language revival and language planning; community empowerment through language planning intervention; the development of Mentrau Iaith; declining density - a danger for the language?; language planning in Western European perspective - Ireland, The Basque Country and Catalonia; conclusion.
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' ... an excellent, state-of-the-art volume by top specialists ... an excellent presentation of the current language issues in Wales, this collection of articles is useful reading for anyone interested in language planning issues in general, and it offers abundant fodder for revitalization programs in search of inspiration and practical ideas'. (Language in Society) 'Language Revitalization moves several steps beyond the political rhetoric in its imaginative and sensitive approaches towards the challenges of Welsh language policy and planning.' Regional and Federal Studies
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Colin H. Williams is Research Professor in the Department of Welsh, Cardiff University and Adjunct Professor of Geography, University of Western Ontario. He is the editor of many books, including Language in Geographic Context (1988) and Linguistic Minorities, Society and Territory (1991).
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780708316672
Publisert
2000-12-22
Utgiver
Vendor
University of Wales Press
Vekt
807 gr
Høyde
216 mm
Bredde
138 mm
Aldersnivå
UU, UP, 05
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet

Forfatter

Biographical note

Colin Williams is a Research Professor and Director of the Language, Policy and Planning Research Unit at the School of Welsh, Cardiff University.