Heinrich’s work smoothly carries the reader along a winding chronological storyline. He has obviously considered multiple viewpoints and come to logical and well-constructed conclusions in developing his own approach to this complex issue. Heinrich’s first-hand observations on the current state of language policy in Japan, its effects on language revitalization movements and suggestions in regards to future discussion of and research related to language policy are invaluable resources for researchers who lack the time or resources to pursue this type of in-depth study on their own. This book stands as a tribute to Heinrich’s lengthy research on this topic drawing on a large number and broad range of native sources. His sources include those that pay primary attention to historical developments within Japan and others anchored in language policy and ideology more broadly that serve to raise general theoretical concerns. Overall, Heinrich’s study convincingly narrates the formation of modern Japanese language ideology, drawing on a wide range of literature in Japanese, English and German. In conclusion, this book is more than a welcome addition to recent monographs in English on language policy and language ideologies in Japan. He is currently co-editing the Handbook of Ryukyuan Languages. Recent publications include Higashi ajia ni okeru gengo fukko (co-edited with Shin Matsuo, Sangensha 2010), Language Life in Japan (co-edited with Christian Galan, Routledge, 2011), and Mezase! Ryukyu shogo no iji (co-edited with Michinori Shimoji, CoCo Shuppan 2011). His research interests focus on language ideology, language endangerment, history of linguistics, and social aspects of foreign language learning. Patrick Heinrich is an associate professor at Dokkyo University, Japan.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |