Multilingual education: the role of language ideologies and attitudes

Abstract

This paper overviews issues relating to the role of ideologies and attitudes in multilingual education (MLE). It argues that ideologies and attitudes are constituent parts of the language planning process and shape the possibilities for multilingualism in educational programmes in complex ways, but most frequently work to constrain the ways that MLE is conceptualised and delivered. This consideration of the role of ideologies and attitudes provides a contextualisation of the current volume.

Keywords:

• multilingual education
• ideology
• attitudes
• language planning

Notes on contributors

Anthony J. Liddicoat is Professor in Applied Linguistics at the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures in the School of Communication, International Studies and Languages at the University of South Australia. His research interests include language and intercultural issues in education, conversation analysis, and language policy and planning.

Kerry Taylor-Leech is an Applied Linguist in the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University, Queensland. Her research focuses mainly on language-in-education policy and planning in multilingual settings and the relationship between language, policy and identity, particularly in the context of migration and settlement.