Language policy and

planning: a discussion on the

complexity of language
matters and the role of
computational methods

Language policy & planning is a complex and fascinating field that encompasses
political, cultural and technological factors. In this presentation, we explore Language
as a tool for modernization and westernization, Language as a powerful force,
Globalization and the information technology revolution, Engineered language, and
Language planning.

by Group 2
Hanayanti & Popi Natasya Basalamah Issues on Language Policy & Planning
 Short Summary of The Article
This article focuses on the role of language in shaping individual and collective identities, as well as the challenges posed by
globalization and the information technology revolution.

The article explores the concept of "engineered language," which refers to the use of language as a tool to achieve certain goals,
such as modernization, westernization, or the spread of information technology.

The article also discusses the nature of language, emphasizing that it is not just a mere instrument but also a powerful force
that shapes human thought, perception, and behavior.

Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of language in the context of globalization and the information
technology revolution, as new technologies challenge traditional language boundaries and create new opportunities for
language use and development.
 I. Language Policy and Complexity
The subpoints of the subtopic "Language policy and complexity" based on the article
"Language policy and planning: a discussion on the complexity of language matters and
the role of computational methods" are as follows:

• Non-linearity and feedback loops: The paper discusses non-linearity in complex systems, where small changes can lead to dramatic
effects and big changes may have only marginal implications. It provides an example from ecology to explain non-linear responses to
external stimuli.
• Different levels of language issues: The paper illustrates that language issues can be articulated at different levels, including the
micro-level (individual language use), meso-level (institutional language choices), and macro-level (government language policies). It
provides examples of language issues at each of these levels.

• The role of simulation in social science research: The paper highlights the potential of simulations as a substitute for real-life experiments,
especially when the latter are potentially expensive and burdensome. It suggests that traditional quantitative and qualitative methods need
to be complemented by other research methods, such as computer-based simulation, to address the difficulties posed by complex systems.
It also discusses the advantages of agent-based models in relating micro-behaviors to macro-behavior.

• Interdisciplinary approach: The paper emphasizes the need for a genuinely interdisciplinary approach to address language matters, as
language issues are interconnected and exist in a greater system. It suggests that only genuinely interdisciplinary approaches can hope to
capture more complexity than approaches from a single disciplinary perspective.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

II. The Role of Computational Methods

Computational methods refer to the use of algorithms, mathematical models, and computer
simulations to solve problems, perform analyses, or simulate real-world processes. These methods involve
the application of computational techniques to process data, make predictions, and gain insights into
complex systems .
The role of computational methods, particularly in the context of language policy development.
The potential of simulation models, as well as computational models in general, for the purposes of
policy making in all its phases, from development to evaluation. It highlights the advantage of being able
to experiment in a virtual world that is fully controlled by the policy maker, which represents a major
advantage over randomized controlled trials involving actual people. setting up multiple controlled trials
can be very costly, and controlling for the impact of external variables can be challenging in real-life,
while it is an almost trivial task in a simulated environment. Furthermore, even when there is little data
for calibration and validation, a simulation model can be very useful in providing an overall idea of the
type of impact that one should expect from a given policy. it can be concluded that the culture of
computational methods is an important ally for social scientists, and they should be used in combination
with other research methods to address the difficulties posed by complex systems.
 Language and Modernization

1 The role of 2 Language and 3 Language and

language in technological social
modernization innovations advancement
Language has often New technologies The development of
been a tool for like machine new languages or
societies to learning and artificial new dialects can
modernize and to intelligence have lead to social
adopt new practices. brought new mobility and
possibilities for increased economic
linguistics research opportunities.
and language
planning.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

Language as a Tool for Modernization and
Westernization

Language and the spread Language as a force for The power dynamics in
of knowledge globalization language

The adoption of a dominant Globalization is intricately Language can often become a

language can be an effective linked to the spreading of tool for cultural imperialism
tool for the dissemination of languages and the triumph of a and the exertion of power.
knowledge. dominant language.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

Language as a Powerful Force
Language and identity

Language is intertwined with culture and identity and plays a key role in shaping our sense of
self.

Language as a means of control

Language can be used by institutions and the government to exert control over a population.

Language and social change

Powerful social movements have used language to bring about political and social change.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

Globalization and the Information Technology
Revolution
The impact of the internet on
language
1
The internet has facilitated the
spread of languages and
enabled multilingual
conversations between people
from different countries.

The challenges of technological 2

progress
New technologies like
machine translation have
raised new questions about
the need for linguistic 3 Technological solutions to language
diversity and the role of diversity
language in society. Artificial intelligence has been used
to create tools like automated
language translation and text-to-
speech systems to bridge language
barriers.
Issues on Language Policy & Planning
Engineered Language

Definition Historical Modern Benefits and

Examples Technology Drawbacks
Engineered language"
refers to the use of Examples of historical Discuss the role of Explore the potential
language as a tool to use of engineered modern technology, benefits and
achieve specific goals, language, such as the such as machine drawbacks of
such as imposition of colonial translation and engineered language,
modernization, languages on natural language such as the loss of
westernization, or the indigenous processing, in linguistic diversity
spread of information populations or the overcoming language and the potential for
technology promotion of a barriers and cultural imperialism.
standardized national promoting
language to unify a multilingualism
diverse population
Issues on Language Policy & Planning
 Language Planning
In general

1 The goals of language planning

Language planning aims to promote

Tools for language planning 2 linguistic diversity, protect minority
Language planners use a range of languages, and ensure that languages
tools like language surveys, language are used appropriately in different
academies, and language policies to contexts.
achieve their goals.

3 The challenges of language

planning

Language planning often faces

challenges like political opposition,
limited resources and the changing
nature of language itself.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

Language Planning Complexity of Language
Based on the article Matters
1 It emphasizes the complexity of language-related
systems and the need to understand the
numerous variables involved in linguistic and
Interdisciplinary Approach 2 sociolinguistic phenomena to develop effective
language policy measures.
language matters are interrelated and
exist within a greater system, influencing
and being influenced by various factors
such as language teaching, provision of
language services, protection of minority
languages, and the official adoption of a
language. The complexity of language Role of Computational Methods
matters necessitates a comprehensive 3
perspective to gain deeper insights, ideally
achieved through large-scale studies
involving individuals with diverse this approach may not always be feasible
disciplinary backgrounds. due to the need for a coordinated effort and
substantial financial support. In this
context, computational modeling is
presented as a valuable tool due to its
flexibility and capacity to integrate
knowledge from various fields, allowing for
insights into dynamics that would
otherwise be unobservable.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

Conclusion
The importance of language The tools of language planning
planning
Language planning plays a key role in preserving Tools like computational linguistics and machine
linguistic diversity and promoting social, learning are essential for language planning in
economic and political change. our modern, technological world.

Issues on Language Policy & Planning

 Q & A session
Question and answer

Issues on Language Policy & Planning