Language policy research is a field of study that spans diverse academic disciplines. Research in this area is conducted not only in political science and public policy research but also in fields such as sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and linguistic anthropology, employing a wide range of theories and methodologies. Even when addressing the same theme—namely, the governance of language and the inherent politics involved—the appropriate theories and methodologies differ depending on the analytical perspective (such as focusing on institutions, people’s attitudes, or the behaviors and practices of language users). Furthermore, the choice between quantitative and qualitative approaches when analyzing the same phenomenon depends on the specific research objectives.
Until recently, interaction among researchers conducting language policy studies across various fields has been limited. Indeed, definitions of “language policy” vary by discipline, leading to differences in which activities and policy actors are selected for analysis.
In recent years, however, exchanges between researchers from diverse disciplines have intensified, leading to a growing recognition of the theoretical, methodological, and epistemological diversity in language policy research. To foster mutual understanding among researchers with diverse academic backgrounds, continuous dialogue—underpinned by a genuine willingness to understand and engage with one another’s perspectives—is essential. This panel focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of language policy research, aiming to deepen our understanding of the phenomenon of language policy by bringing together theories, methodologies, and insights from diverse fields.
This panel welcomes contributions from researchers with diverse academic backgrounds relevant to language policy studies, as well as from decision-makers involved in language policy making at various levels.
