Article published In: Language Problems and Language Planning
Vol. 48:1 (2024) ► pp.26–47
Language-based capabilities to conceptualise linguistic justice
Published online: 27 June 2024
https://doi.org/10.1075/lplp.23049.gia
https://doi.org/10.1075/lplp.23049.gia
Abstract
This article proposes an application of the capability approach (CA) within linguistic justice, adopting a
capability-based approach. The aim is to break down the concept into language-based capabilities associated with public goods,
which can be evaluated through qualitative or quantitative methods, aligning with policy cycle models. The objective is to
deconstruct the abstract notion of linguistic justice into manageable components, namely language-based capabilities, making it
amenable to scrutiny through policy analysis. Language-based capabilities are capabilities linked to public goods and services
that inherently require a language for conversion into functioning. The state plays a crucial role as a conversion enabler through
fair and effective language policies. This breakdown into language-based capabilities facilitates the identification of individual
strategies, making the evaluation of language policies easier. Such an approach enables an examination of the policymaking
process, including its efficacy, shortcomings, and opportunities for improvement. The ultimate goal is to translate a highly
normative approach into an operational definition, further breaking it down into measurable indicators, thereby advancing the
field.
Resumen
Este artículo propone una aplicación de capability approach (CA) dentro de la justicia lingüística, adoptando un
enfoque basado en capacidades. El objetivo es desglosar el concepto en capacidades basadas en el lenguaje asociadas con bienes
públicos, que pueden evaluarse mediante métodos cualitativos o cuantitativos, alineándose con los modelos de ciclo de políticas.
El propósito es desglosar la noción abstracta de justicia lingüística en componentes manejables, es decir, capacidades basadas en
el lenguaje, haciéndola susceptible a un escrutinio mediante el análisis de políticas. Las capacidades basadas en el lenguaje son
aquellas capacidades vinculadas a bienes y servicios públicos que inherentemente requieren un lenguaje para convertirse en
funcionalidades. El Estado juega un papel crucial como facilitador de conversión a través de políticas lingüísticas justas y
efectivas. Este desglose en capacidades basadas en el lenguaje facilita la identificación de estrategias individuales, haciendo
que la evaluación de las políticas lingüísticas sea más accesible. Este enfoque permite examinar el proceso de formulación de
políticas, incluyendo su eficacia, deficiencias y oportunidades de mejora. El objetivo final es traducir un enfoque altamente
normativo en una definición operativa, desglosándolo aún más en indicadores medibles, avanzando así en el campo.
Resumo
La nuna artikolo proponas aplikadon de la kapableca aliro (CA) ene de lingva justeco, utiligante aliron bazitan je kapableco. La celita vojo estas disdividi la koncepton en lingve bazitajn kapablojn asociitajn kun publikaj varoj kaj takseblajn laŭ kvalitaj aŭ kvantaj metodoj, kongrue kun politikociklaj modeloj. La fina celo estas malkonstrui la abstraktan nocion de lingva justeco en trakteblajn komponentojn, nome lingve bazitajn kapablojn – tiel taŭgigante ĝin al ekzamenado pere de politika analizo. Lingve bazitaj kapabloj estas kapabloj ligitaj al lingvaj varoj kaj servoj kiuj en si mem bezonas lingvon por ke ili entute funkciu. La ŝtato ludas esencan rolon kiel transformilo per justaj kaj efikaj lingvaj politikoj. Tiu dismeto en lingve bazitajn kapablojn faciligas identigon de unuopaj strategioj, tiel apogante la taksadon de lingvaj politikoj. Tia aliro ebligas ekzamenadon de la politikofara procedo, inkluzive ĝiajn efikecon, mankojn, kaj okazojn por plibonigo. La finfina celo estas traduki tre normecan aliron en operacian difinon, plue dividante ĝin en mezureblajn indikilojn kaj tiel antaŭenigante la fakon.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Theoretical framework: Capabilities and language
- 2.1A premise on method: Who are the linguistic minorities?
- 2.2CA and language in the literature
- 2.3Language-based capabilities and the role of the state in language policy
- 3.Language-based capabilities and dimensions of linguistic wellbeing
- 3.1Limitations of the study and excluded capabilities
- 4.Conclusions and further developments
- Note
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