Language Policy and Planning (LPP) shapes how societies communicate, educate, and preserve identity. It refers to the deliberate efforts by governments or institutions to influence language use, whether by promoting certain languages, regulating official communication, or deciding which languages schools should teach. Although it may appear technical, LPP deeply affects everyday life. It determines which languages gain prestige, whose voices are recognized, and which communities are marginalized.
For example, countries like Canada promote bilingualism through official policies that protect the linguistic rights of English and French speakers. In contrast, many postcolonial states continue to privilege former colonial languages, such as English in Pakistan or Nigeria, influencing access to education, employment, and social mobility.
Language planning also plays a crucial role in preserving endangered languages. Efforts in New Zealand to revitalize Māori show how policy can restore cultural pride and strengthen identity. Yet poorly designed policies can suppress minority languages, accelerate language shift, or even contribute to cultural erosion.
Ultimately, LPP is not just about words; it is about power. It raises important questions: Who gets to decide which language matters? Whose identity is protected? And how do these decisions shape the future of multilingual societies?
