Introduction

I set out in the first chapter to explore a theory of language management, intending to refine and modify my initial model to account as well as I could for the data that I have found that are relevant to attempts to control language policy, that is to say, to change other people's language practices or beliefs. In this final chapter, I will try to summarize briefly the theory that has survived this consideration. If this can be done in a short chapter, why not write an article rather than a book, my wife asks. I have two answers: first, I needed the space to present the data to support my final opinions, and second, I needed to go through the process of writing to arrive at them. As E. M. Forster wrote, I don't know what I think until I read what I say.

Simple language management: the accommodating individual

Individual speakers and groups of speakers have as a result of their experiences and dependent on their situations developed a complex set of language practices (choices among languages, varieties and variants) and language beliefs (values they assign to those languages, varieties, and variants). From time to time, they discover (or are informed of) a need to modify those practices or beliefs in order to be more effective in communicating with others.