ERIC Number: EJ1187838
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Aug
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1568-4555
EISSN: N/A
A Top-Down Orthography Change and Language Attitudes in the Context of a Language-Loyal Country
Niyomugabo, Cyprien; Uwizeyimana, Valentin
Language Policy, v17 n3 p307-318 Aug 2018
Depending on different factors, aspects of human language such as orthography, lexicon, and pronunciation can change through bottom-up or top-down planning approaches. This article investigates Kinyarwanda language users' attitudes towards Kinyarwanda orthography change, which was implemented on 13 October 2014 in Rwanda. It also discusses the effects of a top--down language policy approach on the speakers' attitudes toward the change, and the impact which these language attitudes can have on the implementation of a language policy. By analysing the data collected through discourse analysis and interview methods, this study found that in the context of a language-loyal country, a top--down language policy has a negative impact on the language attitudes; and thus this study recommends the use of a natural bottom--up language policy in such a context.
Descriptors: Language Attitudes, Language Planning, Language Usage, African Languages, Foreign Countries, Discourse Analysis, Policy Analysis, Spelling, Public Policy, Written Language
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Rwanda
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A