Research in the community is essential in the language planning process. The research stage of the process creates an important basis for the measures that will be included in the language plan and for the assessment of the progress of the language plan in the future.
What role does community research have in language planning?
Research in the community can play many different roles in the language planning process, for example:
- Language usage habits can be analysed
- The community’s wishes in relation to the Irish language can be assessed
- Gaps and opportunities can be identified
- Patterns can be recognised, strengths and weaknesses within a community can be seen
- A benchmark can be laid down on which to assess progress in the future
What types of research can be carried out in the community?
Many different research methods can be used in language planning depending on the aims of the research and the resources that are available. Here are a few of the methods that are frequently used:
Questionnaires
Questionnaires can be used for the public in general, or for a particular group within the community, to gather quantitative information on language usage habits and the community’s desires in relation to the language. Questionnaires can be used with particular target groups in order to ask specific questions of them. Examples include:
- A general questionnaire for the public
- A questionnaire for parents
- A questionnaire for the business community
- A questionnaire for young people
Depending on the particular language planning area, there will likely be other target groups that can also be included.
Focus Groups
Focus groups are useful in building on the information that is received from questionnaires. Qualitative information can be gathered and a deeper understanding of the opinions, viewpoints and desires of the community can be gathered. They can be carried out in a formal or informal manner, depending on what is suitable for the group and the most appropriate manner of collecting the information.
Interviews
Individual interviews can be arranged with people to gather their opinions and to engage in deep discussion about particular topics around their areas of interest and the language planning process. Similar to focus groups, a formal or informal approach can be used for these, depending on the context.
Public meetings
Public meetings can be used to share information with the public and to collect their opinions on the information that has been presented to then, This approach is particularly useful as part of public consultation on draft language plans.
