The Analysis Of The Evolution Of Language Policies In Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea(PNG) is a country combining the biodiversity and language diversity, which is an ideal example of the research of Language ecology. This country boasts of abundant species and is in the possession of over860languages. According to the Language ecology, the biodiversity leads to the language diversity. These numerous languages can be taken into consideration for PNG to develop the relevant language policies, planning the domestic languages. Its inspiration can benefit China in the protection of local languages.Based on the language ecology and linguistic imperialism, this thesis analyzes the evolution of the language policy in different stages in PNG, aiming at absorbing experience and inspiration from the policy and measures PNG made in balancing the protection of vernaculars and the English globalization, providing tactics to China in domestic language policy and planning. PNG, acting as the previous colony of Australia, witnessed a period in which English was the only formal language in1960s; in1970s, since independence has been achieved, English still remained its dominant status with the English preparatory year dropped; in the1980s, the indigenous language education started its promotion; while in the1990s, the vernaculars education witnessed a booming period. With entry the21st century, PNG revised its language policy due to the globalization. With the new policy, English has regained its dominant status and more importance has been attached to the school curriculum. The dominance of English brings the linguistic imperialism to the native languages. The unbalance between culture and languages leads to their extinction.In this paper, what I study is the evolution of the language policy in PNG. I have searched the documents in the data base, and I even wrote to the Ministry of Education in PNG for the latest language policy. Through this research, what I achieved rests on the suggestion for China’s language policy may enlarge the learning of its mother tongues, together with other local languages, but the emphasis of English learning should never be underestimated.