The role of linguists in metalinguistic discourse in modern Lithuania

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe role of linguists in Lithuanian society is quite different from that in western countries. It is still broadly assumed that they not only describe the language use and codify the norms of standard variety, but that they also possess the status of moral authorities having access to the mysteries of language. In the tradition of Lithuanian language cultivation, the competence of the educated linguists is seen as the only genuine academic basis for norm setting compared to the linguistic and communicative competence of ordinary users. This tradition still stresses the exceptional nature, uniqueness and vulnerability of the Lithuanian language. That means that ordinary users cannot be trusted with its survival as they lack a linguistic education and sense of responsibility. It is considered important that these provisions are supported by the institutional authority of the State Language Commission and the State Language Inspectorate. It also draws on a consensus concerning the education system and society, all of which are inextricable from the Neo-Romantic ideology. This could be one of the reasons why language policies in Lithuania rest on obligatory prescriptions, not just on recommendations.