Resumen de Reflections on a Language Policy for Multilingualism
A language policy for multilingualism must aim at maintaining a functional network of languages from which follows the maintenance of individual languages. The distribution of functions to languages includes both public and private domains. Given that the domains are not equal in power and status, the equilibrium that sustains the network is the principle that no language disadvantages the person speaking it .This principle must underlie a multilingual policy. The policy must recognize the limitations and special interests orientation of the government as the prime agent of language policy and allow agency to communities and individuals to shape the policy through negotiation with the government to accommodate their language policy as exhibited in their language behavior. The community needs to be sensitized to see the negative consequences to the public good of adopting a language behavior dictated by the market forces. The conflict that arises between the language behavior preferred by the community to express solidarity and the one forced by the market to acquire power will be reduced if the government and the market are localized.
