Principles of Language-in-Education and Planning

This paper discusses the principles that underlie rational language policy-making and language-in-education planning. It is argued that the ultimate determining factors are the nature and needs of the society, the goals identified for the society and its future development, and the consequent language needs. It is also argued that implementation should be an integral part of policy development and presentation since policy that cannot be implemented in practice is spurious. In addition, the policy statements must be set in a rational justification with on-going evaluation being an integral part of implementation. The principles discussed are illustrated by reference to a State language education policy recently prepared by the author and a colleague