Language Planning in Yemen: The Linguists' Viewpoint 10.35781/1637-000-113-007

Abstract

The present study tackles language planning, as one of the prominent developmental factors, in the Republic of Yemen in terms of status planning. Therefore, the study aims at identifying the availability of the competent departments specialized in planning the language (s) used in the Yemeni speech community. It also attempts to portray the functions that a language takes in the Yemeni context, comparing between the current process of language planning in Yemen, if any, and the norms followed in this regard worldwide. Data was collected through an open-ended questionnaire conducted to sixteen linguists; professors specialized in the field of language and linguistics, working in different Yemeni universities. The researcher intended from conducting such a type of questionnaire to give the chance to the experts to add what they see is necessary to be added. The findings have shown that there is absence of competent bodies pertaining the way language is planned in Yemen. There is also a lack of official decisions made by the government in this regard. However, Yemeni people subconsciously use language whenever and wherever they want. Besides, it has been also discovered that two main languages are available and used with different degrees in the Yemeni speech community. Arabic language, as the mother tongue of the Yemeni people, almost covers all the aspects of life, but not the international affairs, so it is the multi-functional language of the society. On the other hand, English plays a secondary role as it is used for limited purposes such as the international and diplomatic dealings as well as in academic and educational contexts, beside the Arabic language.