Table of Contents

1. Language Ideology as a Field of Inquiry 2. The Call of Mori Arinori to Replace Japanese 3. The Creation of a Modern Voice 4. The Unification of Japanese 5. The Linguistic Assimilation of Ryukyuans and Ainu 6. The Most Beautiful Language in the World 7. Language Ideology as Self-Fulfilling Prophecy 8. Current Challenges to Modernist Language Ideology 9. Language Ideology in Twenty-First Century Japan

About the Author

Patrick Heinrich is an associate professor at Dokkyo University, Japan. His research interests focus on language ideology, language endangerment, history of linguistics, and social aspects of foreign language learning. Recent publications include Higashi ajia ni okeru gengo fukko [Language Revitalization in East Asia] (co-edited with Shin Matsuo, Sangensha 2010), Language Life in Japan (co-edited with Christian Galan, Routledge, 2011), and Mezase! Ryukyu shogo no iji [In Pursuit of Ryukyuan Language Maintenance] (co-edited with Michinori Shimoji, CoCo Shuppan 2011). He is currently co-editing the Handbook of Ryukyuan Languages.

Reviews

The study of ideologies of language diversity is key to any understanding of modern language ecologies. Patrick Heinrich's monograph investigates the modernization of Japanese, tracks the rise of Japanese linguism and reveals the myth of Japan as a monolingual nation. He takes an active stance towards the subjugation of the Ryukyuan languages as mere dialects of Japanese as well as the repression of the language of the autochthonous Ainu. This publication presents a thorough analysis of the current language situation of Japan and provides an important reading on the impact of language ideologies on language ecologies.Matthias Brenzinger, University of Cape Town, South AfricaDr Heinrich's book gives the Anglophone world information that was not easily available before. Now there are no excuses for sweeping claims about Japan and its language practices. With this book we have the detail to permit more nuanced assessment.Sue Wright, Emeritus Professor, Centre for European and International Studies Research, UK