Current Issues In Language Planning
Polity Editors: Robert B. Kaplan (University of Southern California), Richard B. Baldauf Jr. (University of Queensland) and Nkonko Kamwangamalu (Howard University)Bob and Dick are also editors of the book series Language Policy and Planning
|
Volume: 4 Number: 1 Page: 67–83
|
|
|
|
|
Language and Economics: Mutual Incompatibilities, or a Necessary Partnership?
|
|
Uldis Ozolins
|
|
Misunderstandings between economic approaches to language and the field of language policy/language planning arise from deficiencies in the literature of both camps. This paper examines four examples: (1)
liaison interpreting, where traditional economic analysis points to surprising benefits of engaging interpreters, often not recognised by practitioners themselves; (2) sometimes exaggerated claims by language
professionals for the economic benefits of studying languages; (3) unresolved issues in language use in international organisations and trade; and (4) misinterpretations of links between multilingualism
and disadvantage. Lack of understanding by economists of language issues is often matched by illiteracy in economics on the part of language professionals.
Keywords: ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF LANGUAGES, INTERPRETING, LANGUAGE LEARNING, INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, MULTILINGUALISM, ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE
© Multilingual Matters 2003
Full text PDF
|
