Public Institutions for Communication, Culture, Religion, Health and Law

Abstract

Language policy at various levels is partly interrelated and partly independent. Media, radio, television, newspapers, and books illustrate literacy policy and also influence the status of varieties. Each religion can have its own favored sacred language, and often attempts to manage language use, banning heresy and obscenity. Access to health care can depend on language policy and is influenced by the gap between professional and lay speech. In the same way, the police force needs to be able to communicate with members of the public. Judges and lawyers have their own professional jargon and rules of communication.