Week 13. Language planning and policy

Language politicking outside the classroom has direct influence on the pedagogical practices inside the classroom. An example is Singapore where even though bilingualism is the mainstay of education policy, language policy has allowed English to remain dominat over the other languages.English is the only official medium of instruction at school except mother tongue classes. English is the language of commerce, international communication, and a sign of personal and national economic success. Furthermore, English served as a principal layer in social stratification.
As for bilingual education, i do not see it as divisive or that it fosters an elite. It may add additional costs for the public but it only benefits learners as it is proven, in adult learners' case, 'that strong l1 literacy are key factors in successful L2 acquisition.' (Mckay 102). Thus, l1 is a resource not an impediment to L2 successful acquisition.  The desire of English monolingualism perpetuatest the global dominance of English and gives ascendancy to English. Furthermore, Singlish or Ebonics will never become internationally intellible because language politicking is reluctant to raise the status of these languages to Standard languages and  their introduction into the classroom.
However, an example of the Standard English proficiency program in California gives an excellent example how children, instead of being otherized, learn that Ebonics is one linguistic code and not a deficient language. Such a bidialectal approach promotes equality for both kinds of speakers (I mean , Standard language speakers and non-standard speakers) and understanding of other varieties of languages as different, context-based varieties. I also support appreciation of dialect difference approach which recognizes the wordliness of language and a pedagogy of critical language awareness.
Thus, students learn that 'notions of facts' about language imply a bigger picture. They are elements of a larger narrative. social needs and political interests are involved here. I believe these two approaches are an effective and empowering form of language learning.