Contemporary perspectives on language standardization: the role of digital and online technologies

Bellamy, John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1617-1309 (2021) Contemporary perspectives on language standardization: the role of digital and online technologies. In: The Cambridge Handbook of Language Standardization. Cambridge Handbooks in Language and Linguistics . Cambridge University Press, pp. 691-672. ISBN 9781108559249 (online); 9781108471817 (hardback)

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Abstract

There is plenty of evidence indicating that the rise in usage and influence of digital and online forms of communication is having an effect on language norms and processes of standardization. Some examples are the shifts in writing norms in digital spaces, the diversification of language norm authorities and the impact of crowdsourcing on dictionaries and reference works. Whereas existing research has predominantly centred on the consequences of digital and online technologies for developments ‘from below’, this chapter focuses instead on their significance for standardization and policies ‘from above’. With reference to the most recent official revisions to the Luxembourgish language orthography, the chapter examines efforts by state institutions and private organizations to implement language standards and create greater awareness of written norms for Luxembourgish. The analysis encompasses the Schreiwen.lu online resources and spelling campaign, digital Luxembourigish dictionaries and spellcheckers, as well as the rtl.lu online news platform. The findings indicate that such technological developments enable multiple approaches for creating, negotiating and disseminating language standards. Online and digital media not only affect bottom-up language practices, but also have an increasingly influential role in the norm implementation and standardization effected by the state and by private entities.