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The Power of Matrix Languages and the Empowerment of Embedded Languages

The Power of Matrix Languages and the Empowerment of Embedded Languages. HIF 3620 Representations & Self-Representations Laura A. Janda. Overview. Types of power: political, social, economic Expressions of power: law, education, media

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The Power of Matrix Languages and the Empowerment of Embedded Languages

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  1. The Power of Matrix Languages and the Empowerment of Embedded Languages HIF 3620 Representations & Self-Representations Laura A. Janda

  2. Overview • Types of power: political, social, economic • Expressions of power: law, education, media • Pressures exerted by matrix languages: intention, accident, neglect • Networking for embedded languages: political, religious, other organizations • Transnational measures: EU, ILO, UN, UNESCO

  3. How does a matrix language assert itself politically? • A matrix language is the language of: • Constitution • Parliament • Legal code • Courts • Passports, drivers licenses

  4. How does a matrix language assert itself socially? • A matrix language: • Has an orthography, standardization, literary tradition, libraries • May have an academy to “protect” it • Is used by the health care system, military, police • Is used in sports, clubs, interest groups

  5. How does a matrix language assert itself economically? • A matrix language: • Is used in transactions, contracts, banks • Is supported by business software • Is often associated with relative wealth • Is often required for many types of jobs

  6. How does a matrix language express power through laws? • Legislation can declare that a matrix language: • Is “official” (this may or may not be exclusive) • Is required for use in government, public arena • Defines what names people may have, what names are on maps and signs

  7. How does a matrix language express power through education? • A matrix language is the primary medium of education • Immersion, transitional bilingualism, full bilingualism • Boarding schools, punishment & shame • Mother tongue instruction • Usually lacks sufficient resources (teachers, materials; correct target language) • May not lead to higher education

  8. How does a matrix language express power through media? • A matrix language predominates in: • Radio and TV • Advertising • Youth culture • Print media • An embedded language faces higher costs due to low volume and risks not seeming “modern” or “cool”

  9. Pressures exerted by matrix languages • By intention: legal policies • By accident: overwhelming predominance in media • By neglect: • Failure to recognize existence of embedded languages • Failure to enact and enforce supporting legislation • Failure to punish illegal actions damaging to embedded languages Neglect can be repressive. Lack of a policy is not just “no policy”!

  10. Networking for embedded languages • Political organizations • Join forces with other speech communities, including diaspora/immigrant languages • Both domestic and international • Representation in/parallel to matrix • Religious organizations • Connection to faith of community • SIL translation and research • Other organizations • Business opportunities through embedded language

  11. Transnational measures • European Union Charter on Regional and Minority Languages • International Labour Organization, C 169: Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention; see Articles 28 & 30 • UN & UNESCO International Legal Instruments

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