THE MODEL – COMPONENTS

Language policy is about choice. It may be the choice of a specific sound, or expression, or of a specific variety of language. It may be the choice regularly made by an individual, or a socially defined group of individuals, or a body with authority over a defined group of individuals. It may be discovered in the linguistic behavior (language practices) of the individual or group. It may also be discovered in the ideology or beliefs about language of the individual or group. Finally, it may be made explicit in the formal language management or planning decisions of an authorized body.

At the most basic level, individual speakers and groups of speakers demonstrate a belief that some of these choices are bad or undesirable and that others are good or valuable. Growing up and becoming socialized, children are generally expected to learn how to differentiate between good and bad language. Their mentors and caretakers regularly take on the responsibility of assisting, first by encouraging the use of language that can be widely understood, and second by encouraging the use of language that is judged favorably. The beliefs that some variety of language is better than others and that it is possible to influence speakers to select the better variety are fundamental to language management.

However, language practices, beliefs and management are not necessarily congruent. Each may reveal a different language policy.