Language as commodity: global structures, local marketplaces

摘要

Language as Commodity comprises an editorial introduction, 12 chapters and a subject (but no author) index. It is organised by countries, most of which are located in Asia, and is written by regional specialists. Its aim is to explore 'issues surrounding treating languages as commodities' (p. 3). The editors clarify their use of the term 'commodity' by citing Rassool (2007, 148): languages 'constitute a saleable commodity with regard to business and marketing, whilst for the clients they represent an investment in cultural capital which can then be exchanged within the global labour market'. The structure of the book might indicate that the 'clients' are the individual countries dealt with; instead, however, the contributors discuss the agency of individuals, institutions and governments in creating, implementing and sometimes refusing to accept language policy and planning (LPP). This view is a refreshing counterpoint to the 'linguistic imperialism' thesis, treating the roles that intra-national agencies and actors play in LPP.