Language Policy and Planning in South Asia 3600-IN-LPPA-OG

This course provides a critical introduction to Language Policy and Planning (LPP), placing it
within the wider social, political, and educational contexts in which language-related
decisions are made. It begins by outlining key definitions and the scope of LPP, then
examines its theoretical foundations, including status, corpus, and acquisition planning. The
course uses the Policy Cycle Model to analyse language policy as a dynamic process
involving problem emergence, agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
Particular attention is given to the historical relationship between LPP and (de)colonialism,
especially the role of colonial education policies in shaping linguistic hierarchies and their
ongoing influence in postcolonial states. The course also addresses the limitations and
pressures facing LPP, such as political interests, ideological conflicts, and resource allocation,
illustrating how legislative interventions affect various social and political actors. The final
component focuses on comparative case studies from South Asia, examining language policy
issues related to linguistic diversity, minority rights, and national integration in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka as examples. The course aims to equip students
with analytical frameworks to critically evaluate language policies in multilingual societies.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Students should have English language proficiency at B2 / B2+ level (CEFR)

Course coordinators

Abdul Awal
Jacek Woźniak

Course dedicated to a programme

4EU+Courses

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
The graduate knows and understands:
 the core theoretical frameworks, concepts, and terminology of language policy and
planning;
 major historical and contemporary developments in language policy and planning,
with particular reference to South Asian contexts;
 key mechanisms linking language policy with education, identity formation, and
social structures;
 the interrelationships among language, culture, religion, politics, and society.
Skills
The graduate is able to:
 produce coherent academic texts in English on issues related to language policy and
planning;
 locate, critically analyse, and synthesise relevant scholarly literature;
 interpret policy documents and theoretical models within language policy and
planning;
 construct clear, evidence-based arguments in written and oral forms;
 deliver well-structured oral presentations on selected course topics;
 use English effectively in speech and writing at B2/B2+ level according to the CEFR.
Social competences
The graduate is ready to:
 recognise the role of expert knowledge in addressing language-related social and
educational issues;
 critically evaluate dominant discourses concerning language, nationhood, and
development;
 demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to linguistic diversity, inequality, and
minority language rights.

Assessment criteria

 Attendance: 10%
 Participation: 30%
 Final assignment (Quiz Test): 60%

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-IN-LPPA-OG in USOSweb