Language Policy and Identity Construction

The dynamics of Cameroon's multilingualism

Author

Eric A. Anchimbe | University of Bayreuth

Hardbound – Available

ISBN 9789027218735 | EUR 99.00 | USD 149.00

e-Book –

ISBN 9789027272416 | EUR 99.00 | USD 149.00

The (dis)empowerment of languages through language policy in multilingual postcolonial communities often shapes speakers’ identification with these languages, their attitude towards other languages in the community, and their choices in interpersonal and intergroup communication. Focusing on the dynamics of Cameroon’s multilingualism, this book contributes to current debates on the impact of politic language policy on daily language use in sociocultural and interpersonal interactions, multiple identity construction, indigenous language teaching and empowerment, the use of Cameroon Pidgin English in certain formal institutional domains initially dominated by the official languages, and linguistic patterns of social interaction for politeness, respect, and in-group bonding. Due to the multiple perspectives adopted, the book will be of interest to sociolinguists, applied linguists, pragmaticians, Afrikanists, and scholars of postcolonial linguistics.

[IMPACT: Studies in Language, Culture and Society, 32] 2013. xxvi, 250 pp.

Publishing status: Available

https://doi.org/10.1075/impact.32

Table of Contents

Introduction: Language policy and identity construction in multilingual Cameroon | pp. 1–18

Chapter 1. Functional marginalisation and the future of indigenous languages: More official functions for indigenous languages | pp. 19–50

Chapter 2. Language policy towards indigenous languages: Many decrees and laws but less practice | pp. 51–66

Chapter 3. Constraints to indigenous language empowerment: On language relevance, views from below | pp. 67–76

Chapter 4. Crossing the survival line: Factors that protect indigenous languages from extinction | pp. 77–96

Chapter 5. Towards a regional multilingualism model: Empowering indigenous languages through policy and functional utility | pp. 97–112

Chapter 6. Slippery pathways in French-English bilingualism: Cameroon is bilingual but Cameroonians are not | pp. 113–128

Chapter 7. Anglophonism and francophonism: Tendencies in official language identity | pp. 129–148

Chapter 8. Hybrid linguistic identities and identity opportunism: Switching identity together with language | pp. 149–166

Chapter 9. Cameroon Pidgin English: Expanding functions and increasing users | pp. 167–188

Chapter 10. Come greet Uncle Eric: Politeness and respect through kinship terms | pp. 189–204

Chapter 11. Youthspeak: Lexical markers of youth group communication | pp. 205–218

On language policy, linguistic identity, and social interaction: General implications and further research | pp. 219–224

Appendices | pp. 225–228

References | pp. 229–246

Index | pp. 247–250

“It is nice, and refreshing, to get such a comprehensive look at the language situation in one specific African country, from a number of different perspectives and through different lenses. Sometimes, diverse aspects of the language situation cross over and shed light on each other in a way that is only made possible through having multiple objects of study. The author demonstrates the link between colonialism and the contemporary language situation in action, without being deterministic about it. There is a rather optimistic feeling that the language situation is really in the hands of Cameroonians rather than policy-makers or linguists.”

Ellen Hurst, Cape Town University

“ Language Policy and Identity Construction is a must for anyone interested in the sociolinguistics of Cameroon and beyond. Anchimbe’s work not only is the most up-to-date discussion of the complex linguistic situation in this multilingual country, but also offers fresh theoretical starting points for the post-colonial study of language.”

Hans-Georg Wolf, University of Potsdam

“This is a fascinating book. It is very richly documented, with up-to-date materials, on the sociolinguistic frameworks used in general, and on Cameroon in particular. The author is uniquely well informed about the field realities of the setting investigated.”

Augustin Simo Bobda, University of Yaounde I

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2014. Global Identities or Local Stigma Markers: How Equal Is the ‘E’ in Englishes in Cameroon?. In Englishes in Multilingual Contexts [Multilingual Education, 10], ► pp. 47 ff.

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2019. Nationalism and the emergence of Lingala as a supranational language in DR Congo. World Englishes 38:1-2 ► pp. 53 ff.

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2016. Review of Migge & Léglise (2013): Exploring language in a multilingual context. Variation, interaction and ideology in language documentation. Journal of Pidgin and Creole Languages 31:2 ► pp. 467 ff.

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[no author supplied]

2013. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. Language in Society 42:4 ► pp. 479 ff.

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This list is based on CrossRef data as of 16 april 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.

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