The Power of Matrix Languages and the Empowerment of Embedded Languages HIF 3620 Representations & Self-Representations Laura A. Janda

Overview Types of power: political, social, economic Expressions of power: law, education, media Pressures exerted by matrix languages: intention, accident, neglect Networking for embedded languages: political, religious, other organizations Transnational measures: EU, ILO, UN, UNESCO

How does a matrix language assert itself politically? A matrix language is the language of: –Constitution –Parliament –Legal code –Courts –Passports, drivers licenses

How does a matrix language assert itself socially? A matrix language: –Has an orthography, standardization, literary tradition, libraries –May have an academy to “protect” it –Is used by the health care system, military, police –Is used in sports, clubs, interest groups

How does a matrix language assert itself economically? A matrix language: –Is used in transactions, contracts, banks –Is supported by business software –Is often associated with relative wealth –Is often required for many types of jobs

How does a matrix language express power through laws? Legislation can declare that a matrix language: –Is “official” (this may or may not be exclusive) –Is required for use in government, public arena –Defines what names people may have, what names are on maps and signs

How does a matrix language express power through education? A matrix language is the primary medium of education –Immersion, transitional bilingualism, full bilingualism –Boarding schools, punishment & shame Mother tongue instruction –Usually lacks sufficient resources (teachers, materials; correct target language) –May not lead to higher education

How does a matrix language express power through media? A matrix language predominates in: –Radio and TV –Advertising –Youth culture –Print media An embedded language faces higher costs due to low volume and risks not seeming “modern” or “cool”

Pressures exerted by matrix languages By intention: legal policies By accident: overwhelming predominance in media By neglect: –Failure to recognize existence of embedded languages –Failure to enact and enforce supporting legislation –Failure to punish illegal actions damaging to embedded languages Neglect can be repressive. Lack of a policy is not just “no policy”!

Networking for embedded languages Political organizations –Join forces with other speech communities, including diaspora/immigrant languages –Both domestic and international –Representation in/parallel to matrix Religious organizations –Connection to faith of community –SIL translation and research Other organizations –Business opportunities through embedded language

Transnational measures European Union Charter on Regional and Minority LanguagesEuropean Union Charter on Regional and Minority Languages International Labour Organization, C 169: Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention; see Articles 28 & 30International Labour Organization, C 169: Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention UN & UNESCO International Legal InstrumentsUN & UNESCO International Legal Instruments