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Contrasting and Comparing Minority Language Policy: Europe and Australia

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Maintaining Minority Languages in Transnational Contexts

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Minority Languages and Communities ((PSMLC))

Abstract

Contrasting and comparing European and Australian practices in language maintenance is a problematic exercise. For a start, the constitutional parameters are different. Australia is a single sovereign national state, while ‘Europe’ is an aggregating entity, expanding from an economic treaty among six sovereign national states unsteadily towards pooled sovereignty at a supra-national level. Europe’s moves towards political union, albeit hesitant and contested, give the appearance of re-enacting the cultural policies of its member states (utilizing the state discourses of efficiency of communication, common citizenship, participation and democracy). However, at least rhetorically, and in some clear ways practically too, the emergent Europe differs considerably in its cultural policies from those enacted by its own member states.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Melbourne, Australia

    Joseph Lo Bianco

Authors
  1. Joseph Lo Bianco
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Western Australia, Australia

    Anne Pauwels  & Joanne Winter  & 

  2. The University of Melbourne, Australia

    Joseph Lo Bianco

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© 2007 Joseph Lo Bianco

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Lo Bianco, J. (2007). Contrasting and Comparing Minority Language Policy: Europe and Australia. In: Pauwels, A., Winter, J., Lo Bianco, J. (eds) Maintaining Minority Languages in Transnational Contexts. Palgrave Studies in Minority Languages and Communities. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230206397_5

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