Migrant Languages in Education: Problems, Policies, and Politics

Description

This book examines language education policy in European migrant-hosting countries. By applying the Multiple Streams Framework to detailed case studies on Austria and Italy, it sheds light on the factors and processes that innovate education policy. The book illustrates an education policy design that values language diversity and inclusion, and compares underlying policymaking processes with less innovative experiences. Combining empirical analysis and qualitative research methods, it assesses the ways in which language is intrinsically linked to identity and political power within societies, and how language policy and migration might become a firmer part of European policy agendas. Sitting at the intersection between policy studies, language education studies and integration studies, the book offers recommendations for how education policy can promote a more inclusive society. It will appeal to scholars, practitioners and students who have an interest in policymaking, education policy and migrant integration. Preface Acknowledgments About the Book Contents About the Author List of Figures List of Tables Part I: Setting the Context and Framework for the Analysis of Migrant Language Policies Chapter 1: Why Should We Care About Language Policies for Migrants? An Introduction to the Context, Design, and Premises of the Study 1.1 Context and Research Design 1.2 Why Do Migrant Languages Matter? The Implications of Introducing Migrants’ Mother Tongues in Education 1.3 Migrant Language-in-Education Policies in Europe References Chapter 2: Adopting the Multiple Streams Framework to Understand the Preconditions of Policy Decisions 2.1 Behind the Multiple Streams Framework: Underlying Assumptions 2.2 Inside the Multiple Streams Framework: Core Elements 2.3 From the Multiple Streams Framework: Core Hypotheses to Be Tested References Part II: Analyzing the Problems, Policies, and Politics of Migrant Language Education Chapter 3: The Problem Stream in Action: Untangling the Preconditions for Problem Framing 3.1 The Significance of the Migration Focusing Event and Its Problematization 3.2 Conveying Problem Ambiguity in the Problematization of Language 3.3 Problem Framing and Policy Feedback 3.4 Summing Up References Chapter 4: The Policy Stream in Action: Assessing Technical Solutions for Migrant Language Education and Their Viability 4.1 The Activity of Expert Communities in the Field of Migrant Languages 4.2 Softening-up Processes: Identifying Solutions for Mother Tongue Education 4.3 Assessing the Viability of Policy Solutions Against the Selection Criteria 4.3.1 Technical Feasibility 4.3.2 Value Acceptability 4.3.3 Financial Viability 4.3.4 Public Acquiescence 4.3.5 Internal and External Conformity 4.3.6 Path Dependence 4.4 Summing-up References Chapter 5: The Political Stream in Action Between Migrant Integration and Education 5.1 The Political Reasons Behind Austria’s Multilingual Education 5.2 The Political Support for Language Diversity in Italy 5.3 Summing Up References Part III: Bringing the Streams Together Chapter 6: Migrant Language Policy Processes, Change, and Outputs 6.1 The Decisive Mix in Austria: Expert Pressures, Administration Awareness, Political Priority, and Policy Instrument Change 6.2 Policy Processes and Outputs in Italy, Between External Pressures and Bureaucratic (Un)Awareness 6.3 Summing-up: Comparing Streams, Entrepreneurship, and Outputs in Austria and Italy References Chapter 7: Conclusions 7.1 Implications for Theory 7.2 Implications for Policy 7.3 Bringing Together Theory and Policy Considerations References Appendices Appendix A: Analyzed Documents United Nations Council of Europe European Union Austria Italy Other Appendix B: Knowledge from Key Informants Semi-structured Interview Questionnaire Interviews with Key Informants (Anonymized) Main Public Events for Stakeholder Knowledge Collection Appendix C: Technical Elements of the Study on Political Discourse Index