Language Policy and Ideology in Latin America

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter focuses on language policies in the domains of bi- and multilingualism, and the associated language ideologies that contrast mono- and multilingual with plurilingual orientations. It looks at the ways in which language policies and ideologies intervene in the educational systems and options in Latin America. First, the chapter outlines the history and some general characteristics of the indigenous and the immigrant educational settings with regard to the macro level of policy and the micro level of curriculum. Then, it looks at some basic differences, as well as shared problems and solutions, in order to develop an integrated interpretation of language and education policy in Latin America. Next, the chapter explores what solutions different countries and regions offer to the challenges of globalization, from new foreign-language policies and primary education bilingual programmes to South American integration based on massive bilingualism of the main state languages.