Tensions in the Linguistic Space

Abstract

This chapter examines some of the significant issues that emerge from a consideration of language in education policies in the Asian-Pacific region. The chapter identifies a number of areas in which significant tensions exist between languages and speakers. It argues that, in the language ecologies of the region, policies create a contestation for space that privilege some languages, and their speakers, and marginalise others. This contestation for space relates to issues such the place of linguistic variation, questions of ownership, the identity positions of various types of speakers and the articulation between policy and practice. These contestations have implications for linguistic diversity in the region as policies seeks to reduce diversity.