Petra Daryai-Hansen

Promoting linguistic diversity Reflections on the language policy of European language policy conferences

Introduction

Promoting linguistic diversity reflections on the language policy of european language policy conferences. Explore the conflict between linguistic diversity goals and Anglo-American language dominance at European language policy conferences. A call for introspection on current practices.

Abstract

To face up to the omnipresence of ?Anglo-American? (as defined in footnote 2), conferences on language policy today address the issue of promoting linguistic diversity. This especially applies to contemporary Europe. Nevertheless, these conferences, which can be regarded as a kind of laboratories or academic microcosm, do not subscribe to clear language policies. Consequently, the predominant language is here, as elsewhere, the Anglo-American. This article outlines the deep division between the postulate of linguistic diversity and reality, and is a call for soul-searching.

Review

The article, "Promoting linguistic diversity: Reflections on the language policy of European language policy conferences," immediately draws attention to a critical and self-reflexive paradox within the field of language policy. It astutely points out that while conferences dedicated to discussing and promoting linguistic diversity often operate under the pervasive dominance of "Anglo-American" as their de facto lingua franca. This fundamental disconnect, particularly evident in contemporary Europe, underscores a significant challenge for the academic community: a profound gap between the espoused ideals of linguistic pluralism and the practical realities of academic discourse. The article thus sets the stage for a timely and important critique of academic self-consistency. A core strength of this work lies in its incisive observation of the "deep division between the postulate of linguistic diversity and reality." By conceptualizing language policy conferences as "laboratories or academic microcosms," the article offers a powerful lens through which to examine how broader societal and academic language policies manifest and often fail within specialized settings. This self-critical approach is invaluable, as it directly challenges the academic community to scrutinize its own practices and address potential complicity in perpetuating linguistic hierarchies, even while actively advocating for diversity. The explicit call for "soul-searching" serves as a compelling and necessary provocation, urging scholars to move beyond theoretical discussions to implement tangible, equitable language practices within their own professional spheres. While the abstract clearly articulates the problem and its implications, the article could further enhance its impact through deeper exploration. For instance, it would be highly beneficial to delve into *why* these conferences often "do not subscribe to clear language policies." Is this due to practical constraints, a lack of awareness, organizational inertia, or more subtle power dynamics? Elucidating the mechanisms and incentives that lead to the "Anglo-American" predominance would add significant analytical depth. Furthermore, beyond the general call for soul-searching, the paper could offer concrete, actionable recommendations or best practices for conference organizers to genuinely promote linguistic diversity, providing practical strategies to bridge the identified gap between ideal and reality.

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