Description
Book SynopsisThis volume covers the language situation in Japan, Nepal and Taiwan, as well as the modernisation of Chinese characters in China, explaining the linguistic diversity, the historical and political contexts and the current language situation, including language-in-education planning, the role of the media, the role of religion, and the roles of non-indigenous languages. Two of the authors are indigenous and the other two have been participants in the language planning context in these countries. The purpose of the volumes in this series is to present up-to-date information on polities that are not well known to researchers in the field. A longer range purpose is to collect comparable information on as many polities as possible in order to facilitate the development of a richer theory to guide language policy and planning in other polities that undertake the development of a national policy on languages. This volume is part of an areal series which is committed to providing descriptions of language planning and policy in countries around the world.
Trade ReviewWithout exception, all monographs in this volume are excellent contributions to the vast field of language planning and language policy in Asia, covering an impressive breadth of topics and perspectives. Arguments are well-founded and supported by clear facts and figures. Each monograph is accompanied by an extensive bibliography. The book can therefore be recommended as a valuable resource for both sociolinguists looking for case studies on Asian polities and regional specialists interested in sociolinguistic analyses. Language planning in Asian countries is a fascinating and challenging field of sociolinguistic research. The manuscripts in this volume present a wealth of data, in-depth background information, careful analyses, and thought-provoking conclusions.
-- Henning Klöter, National Taiwan Normal University * Linguist List 20.2046 *
Table of ContentsSeries Overview
1. Language Policy and Planning in Chinese Characters, Japan, Nepal and Taiwan: Some Common Issues - Robert B. Kaplan and Richard B. Baldauf Jr
2. Chinese Character Modernisation in the Digital Era: A Historical Perspective - Zhao Shouhui
3. Japan: Language Planning and Policy in Transition - Nanette Gottlieb
4. The Language Situation in Nepal - Sonia Eagle
5. The Language Situation in Nepal: An Update - Sonia Eagle
6. The Language Planning Situation in Taiwan - Feng-fu Tsao
7. The Language Planning Situation in Taiwan: An Update - Feng-fu Tsao
Biographical Notes on Contributors
