Covert vs Overt Language Policy Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between overt and covert language policy?

Overt language policy consists of official rules and legislation, while covert language policy refers to societal norms regarding language use.

How can language policy affect language education in schools?

Language policy can dictate which languages are to be taught, the time allocated for language instruction, and the materials used in teaching.

What are the linguistic goals associated with language policy?

Language policy is connected to linguistic, political, and social goals that aim to enhance language use and promote minority language rights.

Who are some scholars that view language policy as part of Applied Linguistics?

Scholars such as Bernard Spolsky, Robert B. Kaplan, and Joseph Lo Bianco consider language policy a branch of Applied Linguistics. Signup and view all the answers

What does language planning typically involve?

Language planning generally involves the development and implementation of policies regarding language use and education. Signup and view all the answers

How may a government establish minority language rights?

A government can establish minority language rights through language policies that officially recognize and support the use of minority languages. Signup and view all the answers

What role does legislation play in language policy?

Legislation plays a crucial role by defining which languages can be used for purposes like education, media, and communication. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does language policy have on commerce?

Language policy can determine which languages are permitted in commerce, facilitating or restricting commercial interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is corpus planning and how does it impact a language?

Corpus planning involves changes to the linguistic form of a language, impacting it through standardization, graphization, and modernization. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what status planning entails in the context of language planning.

Status planning involves changing the functions of a language to elevate its prestige and increase its usage within a community. Signup and view all the answers

Identify and define two types of language planning mentioned in the content.

The two types are corpus planning, which focuses on the structure of a language, and status planning, which concerns the social standing of a language. Signup and view all the answers

What role does language-in-education planning play in language planning?

Language-in-education planning determines how languages are taught and learned in educational systems, influencing language acquisition. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between overt and covert language policy.

Overt language policy refers to explicit laws and regulations regarding language usage, while covert language policy involves unspoken norms and practices that influence language behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How can sociopolitical situations influence language planning and policy-making?

Sociopolitical situations can create competition for resources among language speakers or deny rights to linguistic minorities, influencing language policy decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Cite an example of a language policy from the content and its purpose.

The U.S. Court Interpreters Act of 1978 provides interpreters for non-English speakers in court settings to ensure fair treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1975 in the context of language planning?

The Voting Rights Act of 1975 mandates bilingual ballots in areas with significant populations speaking a language other than English, enhancing voter access. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issues can arise from a workplace dynamic where employees speak a language unfamiliar to their managers?

It can lead to feelings of exclusion and misunderstanding among employees, as others may not relate to the language or jokes being shared. Signup and view all the answers

How might the implementation of an 'English-only' policy impact bilingual employees?

It might limit their ability to communicate effectively and can lead to feelings of exclusion, resentment, or discrimination against their language skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between overt and covert language policies in the workplace?

Overt language policies are formally stated rules regarding language use, while covert policies are unwritten norms or practices that influence language use without explicit documentation. Signup and view all the answers

What role does language play in forming cliques among employees from the same cultural background?

Language fosters a sense of community and belonging within the clique, allowing members to bond through shared cultural experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for organizations to establish language policies?

Language policies facilitate effective communication, reduce misunderstandings, and promote inclusivity among diverse employees. Signup and view all the answers

What can companies do informally to mitigate language-related issues in the workplace?

Companies can hold discussions or training sessions to raise awareness about the implications of language use and promote respect for linguistic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

How has recent immigration and civil rights legislation affected language diversity in the U.S. workplace?

These changes have led to an increase in language diversity, necessitating policies to address language issues and enhance communication among employees. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of employees joking in a language not understood by others?

Such jokes can lead to feelings of exclusion or offense among non-speakers, creating a potentially hostile work environment. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Language Policy Overview

Language policy includes legislation and legal decisions that dictate language use by governments and organizations.
It encompasses cultivation of second language skills and establishment of minority language rights.
Related fields include language ideology, language revitalization, and language education.

Distinctions in Language Policy

Overt language policy refers to official rules, whereas covert language policy encompasses societal norms.
All countries implement language use policies with potential effects on educational systems.

Government Policy Components

Specifies language usage in media and educational institutions.
Outlines permissible languages in commerce and communication.
Determines time for language instruction and criteria for teaching materials and teacher qualifications.

Importance of Language Planning

Language planning addresses workplace dynamics, especially in diverse environments.
Exclusive group language use may lead to misunderstandings or feelings of exclusion among non-speaking members.
Effective communication in workplaces necessitates clear language policies to mitigate potential issues.

Language Workplace Policy in the United States

Increased language diversity since 1965 prompts workplace policy attention.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sets rules for "English-only" policies and their conditions.

Language Planning Types

Corpus Planning: Modification of a language's structure through standardization, graphization, and modernization of terms.
Status Planning: Enhancements in language function to elevate its prestige and expand its usage.
Language-in-Education Planning: Focuses on educational aspects related to language learning.
Prestige Planning: Aims to improve the public image of a language.

Levels of Language Planning

Macro Level: Involvement of government agencies in broader policy decisions.
Micro Level: Engagement of educational institutions and influential individuals in localized language planning.

Sociopolitical Context

Language planning arises from sociopolitical competition among languages or when linguistic minorities lack access to rights.
Examples include the U.S. Court Interpreters Act of 1978 and the Voting Rights Act of 1975, which address language access and representation.

Interdisciplinary Nature of Language Policy

Language policy is an interdisciplinary field, intertwining aspects of sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, politics, and social theory.

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