The ecology of language reform in Timor-Leste: A language rights perspective

Abstract

In this paper I use a three-way framework for understanding the processes of language change and reform in Timor-Leste. The first is the metaphor of language ecology. The ecological metaphor is justified as a way of understanding the importance of sustaining a balance between languages. Secondly, language policy and planning are defined and applied to explain the process of language reform in Timor-Leste. I discuss multilingualism and I suggest that negative perceptions of multilingualism have had a demobilizing effect on language planning. Thirdly, I analyze language policy and planning in Timor-Leste from a language rights perspective, demonstrating that language rights have been ignored by language planners until the present day and that modern language planning and policy-making is highly associated with its historical context. I go on to discuss the challenges of language policy implementation and conclude with a call for community engagement in language planning.