English-Only Language Policy: The Road to Provincialism?
English-Only Language Policy: The Road to Provincialism?
Author(s): Bengt-Arne WickströmSubject(s): Social Sciences, Language studies, Language and Literature Studies, Communication studies
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Keywords: acquisition planning; adaptive individual behaviour; diglossia; domain loss; external effects; language dynamics; language policy; merit good; path dependencies;
Summary/Abstract: In this note, we outline various possible long-run effects of an English-only acquisition policy in the European Union. The point of departure is how individual behaviour adapts to constraints in the environment. This leads to changes in collective behaviour, which becomes part of the environment, again influencing individual behaviour. Possible equilibria of this feedback mechanism are discussed. It is argued that domain loss and diglossia may result. The process is further characterized by external effects. Looking at language knowledge as a merit good, path dependencies and multiple stable equilibria can be explained.
Journal: Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, European and Regional Studies
- Issue Year: 2016
- Issue No: 09
- Page Range: 71-76
- Page Count: 6
- Language: English
