Language Policy and Social Work

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between social work and language policy, with particular reference to the issue of the Welsh language in North Wales. A brief historical account of Wales and the use of Welsh is considered in relation to sociolinguistic analyses of language use and policy. The article questions whether social work practice actually supports language diversity and whether the lack of informed policy puts minority language speakers at a disadvantage. The author concludes that language is a significant variable that cannot be subsumed under the heading of ethnicity. Social services workers and planners need to recognize the importance of language in constructing ethnic identity and to appreciate the external factors that shape language use. Policy and practice regarding language should not be developed in isolation from other aspects of social disadvantage and human rights.