How can you create an inclusive language policy for all communities?

1 Why is inclusivity important?

Inclusivity is the practice of ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and represented in a given setting or activity. In terms of LPP, inclusivity means that all languages and language varieties are recognized and accommodated, and that all speakers have equal access to linguistic resources and services. Inclusive language policies can foster social justice, diversity, and intercultural communication, as well as prevent language loss, discrimination, and conflict.

2 What are the challenges of inclusivity?

Creating an inclusive language policy is a complex process that requires balancing the needs and preferences of multiple stakeholders, such as governments, institutions, educators, activists, and language users. Challenges include how to identify and consult with relevant communities and groups, which languages and varieties to include and how to prioritize them, how to allocate resources and funding for language development and support, how to monitor and evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the policy, and how to deal with resistance or opposition from some sectors or individuals.

3 How to design an inclusive language policy?

Designing an inclusive language policy is a complex process that requires careful consideration of the linguistic situation, language attitudes, and language needs of the relevant communities. To ensure success, it's important to define a clear vision, mission, and objectives for the policy, and to identify and engage with key actors and partners. A strategic plan should be developed that outlines the timeline and goals of the policy. Additionally, the policy should be communicated to relevant stakeholders using accessible language. Once implemented, the policy should be monitored using participatory methods and evaluated with qualitative and quantitative data. This will help to ensure that any challenges or lessons learned can be reported on.

4 What are some examples of inclusive language policies?

Examples of inclusive language policies can be found around the world, ranging from the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, which seeks to protect linguistic diversity in Europe, to the Indigenous Languages Act in Canada, which recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to revitalize their languages. The University of Cape Town has a Language Policy that outlines principles and practices of multilingualism and academic literacy development, while the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a Language Access Plan that ensures non-English speakers have access to health information and services in their preferred languages. These examples demonstrate how inclusive language policies can be implemented at different levels and domains.

5 How can you learn more about inclusivity and LPP?

If you are interested in learning more about inclusivity and LPP, there are many resources and opportunities available. You can read books, articles, and reports on the subject, such as Language Policy and Planning for Sign Languages by Timothy Reagan and Robert Adam, or take online courses or workshops on LPP like the UNESCO course on Language and Development: Some Tools and Approaches. Additionally, you can join networks or organizations that work on LPP, like the International Association of Language Commissioners or the Linguapax International Network. You can also participate in events or campaigns that promote inclusivity and LPP, like the International Mother Language Day or the Endangered Languages Project.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?