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Language Problems and Language Planning
Vol. 44:1 (2020) ► pp.45–65

Language competition modeling and language policy evaluation

 | Humboldt-Universiät zu Berlin
In this paper, we present a framework for the analysis of effects of language policies on the competition between languages. At the core of this framework is a language competition model that takes into account four pivotal factors for the evolution of the linguistic composition of a society: intergenerational language transmission, formal language education, adult language learning and migration. In contrast to the majority of models available in the literature, our model operates with parameters that can be estimated from empirical socio-linguistic data. It allows the reconstruction of past and simulate future dynamics. Language policies can be modeled as changes in model parameters. Therefore, projections derived from the model can be utilized to compare the effects of different policy options. We use Basque and Spanish within the Basque Autonomous Community in Spain to illustrate the application of the model.
Keywords: language competition models, minority language, language policy evaluation
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Language policy evaluation
    • 1.2Language competition models
    • 1.3Combining language competition models and policy evaluation
  • 2.The language competition model
    • 2.1Setting and Notation
    • 2.2Building the model
      • Family formation
      • Language transmission
      • Language learning in schools and by adults
      • Migration
  • 3.Illustration of the model: The Basque Autonomous Communities
    • 3.1Data and model parameters
      • Linguistic composition
      • Population dynamics and migration
      • Linguistic concentration
      • Language transmission
      • Schooling
      • Adult language learning
    • 3.2Analysis and projections
    • 3.3Dynamic language policy analysis
  • 4.Conclusions and outlook
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 1 July 2020
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https://doi.org/10.1075/lplp.00055.tem
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