The ecology of language reform in Timor-Leste: a language rights perspective

Article

Taylor-Leech, Kerry. 2005. "The ecology of language reform in Timor-Leste: a language rights perspective." Studies in Languages and Cultures of East Timor. 7, pp. 13-35.
Article Title

The ecology of language reform in Timor-Leste: a language rights perspective

Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorTaylor-Leech, Kerry
Journal TitleStudies in Languages and Cultures of East Timor
Journal Citation7, pp. 13-35
Number of Pages23
Year2005
Place of PublicationDili, Timor Leste
Abstract

In this study I use a three-way framework for understanding the processes of language change and reform in East Timor. The first is the metaphor of language ecology. The ecological metaphor is justified as a way of understanding the importance of sustaining a balance between languages. Secondly, language policy and planning are defined and applied to explain the process of language reform in East Timor. I discuss multilingualism and I suggest that negative perceptions of multilingualism have had a demobilizing effect on language planning. Thirdly, I analyse language policy and planning in East Timor from a language rights perspective, demonstrating that language rights have been ignored by language planners until the present day and that modern language planning and policy-making is highly associated with its historical context. I go on to discuss the callenges of language policy implemmentation and conclude with a call for community engagement in language planning.

Keywordslanguage ecology, East Timor, language planning
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020470312. Indonesian languages
470320. South-East Asian languages (excl. Indonesian)
470411. Sociolinguistics
Public Notes

Edited Geoffrey Hull, Lance Eccles. Author's version not held.

Byline AffiliationsGriffith University
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