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An empirical validation study of Spolsky's language policy model

Bibliographic Data

ID12677777
AuthorsVictoria Van Oss (0000-0001-9065-3539, Ghent University, corresponding author), Piet Van Avermaet (0000-0001-8970-2911, Ghent University), Esli Struys (0000-0001-8093-3422, Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Wendelien Vantieghem (0000-0001-5891-2131, Ghent University)
Year2021
Volume23
Issue1
Pages77-95
Publication date2021-04-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCurrent Issues in Language Planning (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1466-4208 • E-ISSN: 1747-7506
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14664208.2021.1907060
OpenAlexW3145755884
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited43

This study investigates Spolsky's conception of language policy as the amalgam of language beliefs, language practices and language management. To the best of our knowledge, no quantitative evidence has ever been produced for his theoretical model. The current paper addressed this void, albeit specifically in the domain of Early Childhood Care and Education – scarce in terms of language policy research, but vital for children's (multilingual) language development. An Exploratory Factor Analysis yielded three valid and reliable scales that capture language policy from the perspective of early childhood professionals (N = 305) associated with infant welfare clinics in the Flemish Community of Belgium. Furthermore, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that the three components are ‘independent’ as well as ‘interconnected,’ thereby quantitatively corroborating Spolsky's theory. We conclude that language policy is no unitary concept; therefore, if one intends to study language policy holistically, the three indispensable components are to be identified. As a corollary, one simply cannot investigate management without considering beliefs and practices, and vice versa

Flemish · Language assessment · Language planning · Language policy · Language proficiency · Linguistics · Pedagogy · Language Development and Disorders · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Multilingual Education and Policy · Psychology

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Unique citing works10
Citations per year2,5
Citation span2022 - 2026 (5)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 7
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