Linguistic imperialism—a term used to conceptualize the dominance of one language over others—has been debated in language policy for more than two decades. Spolsky (2004), for example, has questioned whether the spread of... [ view full abstract ]
Linguistic imperialism—a term used to conceptualize the dominance of one language over others—has been debated in language policy for more than two decades. Spolsky (2004), for example, has questioned whether the spread of English was a result of language planning, or was incidental to colonialism and globalization. Phillipson (2007) contests this view, arguing that linguistic imperialism is not based on ‘conspiracy’, and is underpinned by evidence of explicit or implicit language policy that aims to intentionally advantage some languages at the expense of others. Phillipson (2012) recently argued that linguistic imperialism is ‘alive and kicking’, a comment that attracted criticism from organisations such as The British Council, which responded by stating that “Phillipson quotes his experiences from before 1992 – the reality in 2012 is different” (Knagg, 2012).
This paper aims to test criteria of linguistic imperialism by exploring the treatment of Irish Sign Language (ISL) in language policy, or in this case a lack of such policy. It does this by exploring evidence within a conceptual framework of linguistic imperialism to explore how discrimination and inequality occurs in relation to ISL users in Ireland. The findings highlight many policies and practices that fit the linguistic imperialism paradigm, including linguicism, audism, and the denial of linguistic rights. The analysis also reveals a continued practice of denying public resources for ISL teaching and learning, and for ISL services despite an acknowledgement of demand. The paper, therefore, challenges some views in language policy that linguistic imperialism lacks credibility by highlighting a current case of a minority language (ISL) under imperialistic-like control of users of dominant languages (English and Irish) who hold decision-making power.
References
Knagg, J. (2012). Multilingualism works. The Guardian Weekly. 6 April. http://www.theguardian.com/global/2012/apr/03/guardian-weekly-letters-6-april?newsfeed=true. Accessed 2 April 2016.
Phillipson, R. (2007). Linguistic imperialism: a conspiracy, or a conspiracy of silence? Language Policy 6(3), 377–383.
Phillipson, R. (2012a). Linguistic imperialism alive and kicking. The Guardian Weekly. March 13. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/mar/13/linguistic-imperialism-english-language-teaching. Accessed 14 April, 2015.
Spolsky, B. (2004). Language policy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
