The challenge of language planning in the private sector: Welsh and Catalan perspectives

Puigdevall i Serralvo, Maite 2005. The challenge of language planning in the private sector: Welsh and Catalan perspectives. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

This thesis focuses on a comparative study of two models of language planning and language policy, those of Wales and Catalonia. The evolution of these models is presented with an explanation of their respective sociolinguistic and legal frameworks. Specific attention is given to the efforts of promoting and spreading the use of both languages in the private sector, analysing both the barriers that hinder their use and the efforts to overcome them. Chapter 1 provides a theoretical and methodological framework for the thesis, focusing on the development of language planning as a discipline. Both the elements and the processes of language planning as a method to produce language change are analysed. A particular language change, the minoritisation of languages is explained as a point of departure to understand the revitalisation of Welsh and Catalan. Chapter 2 focuses on analysing the Catalan model of language planning. It provides historical and sociolinguistic background information before interpreting the legal framework which underpins language planning activities. Chapter 3 analyses the use of Catalan in the private sector through a review of surveys the majority of which were produced by the official language panning agencies. It also outlines the policies undertaken by the Catalan Government to further promote and spread the use of Catalan in this all- powerful sector. Chapter 4 turns its attention to the Welsh model of language planning and its evolution, with special consideration to the promotion of Welsh in the private sector. Both the sociolinguistic situation of Welsh and the operative legal framework are analysed so as to allow an understanding of the conditions of language planning activities. Chapter 5 and chapter 6 report on the findings of an original fieldwork project which sought to investigate to what extent the Welsh language is used in different activities of private business, both for internal and external communications. Moreover, the project sought to understand the main reasons companies choose to use Welsh or not as a working language or as a language for marketing purposes. The thesis concludes with the summary of the main ideas.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Welsh
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PB Modern European Languages > PB1001 Celtic languages and literature P Language and Literature > PC Romance languages
ISBN:	9781303170584
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2023 11:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/55595

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