HÖFER, Karel. 2012. Valencian Identity, Language and Language Policy . the Annual of Language & Politics and Politics of Id
HÖFER, Karel. 2012. Valencian Identity, Language and Language Policy . The Annual of Language & Politics and Politics of Identity, Vol. VI./2012 Reviewed journal ALPPI is published by Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Studies. www.alppi.eu Valencian Identity, Language and Language Policy Karel Höfer1 Abstract: The general aim of this paper is to analyze Valencian language policy and Valencian language itself. Specifically it means, whether there are certain specific features in the Valencia region that distinguish it from the other Spanish regions, including a specific regional identity, language and other attributes. This issue is examined from broader historical, institutional, identitical, linguistic and political angles. Particular emphasis is placed on the Spanish decentralization process and on the specifics of the Valencian history, identity, politics and language. Key words: Valencian community, Valencian region, Valencian identity, Valencian language, Valencian language policy, Spanish language policy Introduction The field of language policy is a rapidly expanding discipline of social sciences. It is an interdisciplinary field at the boundary of political science, sociology, ethnology and linguistics. Language policy, unlike many other disciplines of social science, allows the application of its findings, derived from research into practical policies, which increases both its usefulness and attractiveness. Language policy deserves more attention, because it is an important aspect of everyday life, which directly affects all individuals, and affects the future of entire communities. Language policy is closely linked with decentralization processes in many countries. Decentralization is accompanied with the processes of integration, at least in the European area. The integration process takes place for example in the field of economics and politics within the European Union or for example the Council of Europe.
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