Agency von Müttern und Vätern
The Agency of Mothers and Fathers.

Language Politics and Language Planning in Indigenous Families in Latin America

Summary/Abstract: It can generally be maintained in relation to cultural and linguistic security that it as- sumes a symbolic character and has no actual effect on language retention, language diffusion, the extension of language functions and revitalisation of the indigenous lan- guages. Despite declarations of their official status, all indigenous languages in Latin America have minority character and continue to lead a minority existence, with corre- spondingly progressive language decline. In the context of timid, contradictory and rhetorical language policy in general, bottom-up movements are starting to see language policy from the perspective of agency, recognising that language security is at most a matter for those affected, and certainly not a matter for the state. Indigenous academ- ics have seized the initiative in the realm of the family, traditionally „neglected“ by language policy, and are bringing up their children in their mother tongue. The first reactions, successful experiences and regressions, but above all the resonance of the behaviour of these „improper“ mothers and fathers in their families and surroundings, are presented in this article.

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