HUMSS - Azirah Hashim

Language Policy and Multilingualism in ASEAN and Comparisons with the EU

This research examines the language policies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and considers the implications of these policies for the maintenance of linguistic and cultural diversity, on the one hand, and the promotion of English and favoured national languages on the other. The national and regional language ecologies, as well as global demands and challenges faced in implementing language policies in relation to English, are examined. Attempts at policies supporting the use of mother tongues and local languages can be seen in a number of countries in the region. As English assumes greater emphasis in the region, there is a need to examine the state of multilingualism and the extent to which multilingual policies are being implemented. A comparison with the EU will also be carried out.