Education

Abstract

Schooling is a major factor in language management, and choice of language of instruction normally laid down by the state is central. There is considerable variety in school language practice. In early history, there were elite schools for scribes, but in Judea after the destruction of the Temple, Jewish communities were enjoined to teach literacy to all male children. Traditional Indian and medieval European schooling were both under the influence of religious leadership. Starting in the eighteenth century in Europe, economic and political pressure encouraged secular language policies that supported national identity and unity. This continued gap between home and school, which still affects nearly half the world’s children. School language policy is usually controlled by national governments which favour standard varieties over vernaculars, although there are many other stakeholders. Bilingual and multilingual education is proposed as one solution to the home-school gap.