The Oxford University Press has launched its latest publication, 'Language Planning in Higher Education: A Case Study of Pakistan', written by Dr Sabiha Mansoor, said a press release issued here, on Friday. The book is based on a case study of language planning in higher education in Pakistan.
It explores the gap in implementation of official language policies and institutional practice and the usefulness of various languages in education, the statement added.
It is unique in that it illustrates the sociolinguistic profile of Pakistan, and provides insights into the complex issues of multilingualism and ethnicity, and their impact on linguistic, educational and sociocultural outcomes.
The book focuses particularly on problems confronting language planning in education in developing countries, and puts forward recommendations for a viable language policy in higher education, along with the guidelines for its implementation.
Sabiha Mansoor received a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, and has extensive experience in the field of education.
She has taught at Kinnaird College, Lahore and also has several publications to her credit, including Language Policy, Planning and Practice: A South Asian Perspective published by AKU-Oxford University Press.
The author is presently Associate Professor and Head, Centre of English Language, Aga Khan University, Pakistan.
She has been a British Council Scholar and guest speaker at several international universities.
She is a member of the National Committee on English (HEC) and the editor of The Journal of Asia TEFL.
The launching ceremony was well attended by educationists, English language teachers and faculty members of colleges and universities, policy makers, planners, academics, and journalists.
Dr Khalid Aftab, Vice Chancellor, Government College University, Lahore, was the chief guest at the launch while the speakers included Dr David Taylor, Acting Provost, Aga Khan University; Dr Rama Kant Agnihotri, Professor, Department of Linguistics, Delhi University, India; Dr Ryhana Reheem, Professor Department of Language Studies, Open University, Sri Lanka: and Dr Tariq Rahman, Professor, Department of Linguistics, Quaid-i-Azam University.
Commenting on the book, the chief guest and speakers said that through this groundbreaking study, Sabiha Mansoor had made a valuable contribution in highlighting the critical nature of the issue of English language planning and teaching in Pakistan.
Earlier, in her introductory address, Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, said that policy makers in Pakistan should study researched works like Sabiha Mansoor's book before they embark on formulating policies on language in the country.
She also highlighted the Oxford's forthcoming and recently published titles.-PR