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Introducing the Situational Context, Macro-Sociolinguistics and Key Elements of Language Planning and Policy in Malaysia

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Language Policy Challenges in Multi-Ethnic Malaysia

Part of the book series: Multilingual Education ((MULT,volume 8))

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Abstract

This chapter provides the historical foundations of multi-ethnic, multi-lingual Malaysia. As this book attempts to discuss language policies in the period of colonization, in the pre-independence period & the post-independence period of nation-building and immigration—the reasons for and its effects on the nation’s linguistic complexities, the globalization of economies and communication and the resultant impact on language policies and planning, this first chapter will introduce the reader to key concepts and definitions in language policy and planning and explain these in relation to Malaysia’s approach to language policy and planning. In doing so, this chapter also examines the complex linguistic cultural identity bases of other multi-ethnic nations such as Indonesia and Singapore and their linguistic choices.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    See also Fishman (1977, p. 36)

  2. 2.

    This does not detract from the importance of later moving onto “aggressively investigate how language policies affect the lives of individuals and groups who often have little influence over the policymaking process” (Tollefson 2002, p. 4).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Language Planning and Policy & Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Partnerships), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Bangi, Malaysia

    Prof. Dr. Saran Kaur Gill

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  1. Prof. Dr. Saran Kaur Gill
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Correspondence to Saran Kaur Gill .

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Gill, S. (2014). Introducing the Situational Context, Macro-Sociolinguistics and Key Elements of Language Planning and Policy in Malaysia. In: Language Policy Challenges in Multi-Ethnic Malaysia. Multilingual Education, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7966-2_1

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