Optimal language policy for the preservation of a minority language

Abstract

h i g h l i g h t s• A dynamic control model for the competition between two languages is developed.• Family formation and intergenerational language transmission are modeled explicitly.• Investments into status planning can be used to support the minority language.• If bilingualism is valued high enough, survival of both languages can be optimal.• Optimal steady states depend on initial distribution of speakers. a b s t r a c tWe develop a dynamic language competition model with dynamic state intervention. Parents choose the language(s) to raise their children based on the communicational value of each language as well as on their emotional attachment to the languages at hand. Languages are thus conceptualized as tools for communication as well as carriers of cultural identity. The model includes a high and a low status language, and children can be brought up as monolinguals or bilinguals. Through investment into language policies, the status of the minority language can be increased. The aim of the intervention is to preserve the minority language in a bilingual subpopulation at low costs. We investigate the dynamic structure of the optimally controlled system as well as the optimal policy, identify stable equilibria and provide numerical case studies.

Dynamics, Costs, and Survival of Minorities: Optimal Language Policies for Increasing the Vitality of Minority Languages

“…Since language knowledge and use is transmitted from one generation to the next, the relevant question becomes what fraction (𝑝 +1 ) of the population will use L given that a 8. See, for instance, Wickström (2005) and Templin et al (2016), as well as the references therein. 9.…”

A language competition model for new minorities

“…Note, for C = 0 (i.e. no linguistic concentration), the family-type distribution is the same as given in Templin et al (2016).…”

“…To perform numerical analysis and simulations of the model, we consider some functional expressions for q R ( F ; C , S , X ) and a R , B ( C , S , X ) . For intergenerational language transmission, we use the functional expressions proposed in Templin et al (2016). For non-negative parameters 0 < β < δ and ε + γ < ζ < 1 , consider the functions…”

“…Depending on the initial conditions, different democratic equilibria are possible. In Wickström (2005) and Templin et al (2016), parents decide which language(s) to pass on to their children. In addition to their children's economic future, parents also care about transmitting the cultural values attached to their language to the next generation.…”

“…In addition to their children’s economic future, parents also care about transmitting the cultural values attached to their language to the next generation. Wickström (2005) shows that bilingualism can be stable, and Templin et al (2016) illustrate that preserving the minority language can be optimal if bilingualism is valued high enough by the policy maker. Instead of language learning and transmission, Iriberri and Uriarte (2012) consider language use.…”