2005/02/15 by Julia Sallabank · 2 citations
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Multilingual Education and Policy #Linguistic Variation and Morphology #Second Language Learning and Teaching
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/14664200508668272
openalex publication_date 2005/02/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
This paper discusses language planning measures in Guernsey, Channel Islands. The indigenous language is spoken fluently by only 2% of the population, and is at level 7 on Fishman’s 8-point scale of endangerment. It has no official status and low social prestige, and language planning has little official support or funding. Political autonomy has not increased the language’s status or stopped intergenerational transmission from declining. Most language planning initiatives are very small-scale and are undertaken by pressure groups or individuals, who focus on social prestige at grass-roots level rather than official status. The likelihood of success of current efforts is evaluated.