The concept of the new speaker phenomenon is not wholly new, but Williams deftly refutes it by arguing that if we bundle all new speakers together into a single, homogeneous group, we overlook the complex nuances that this dynamic phenomenon entails. Through empirical research and engagement with various stakeholders in minority language communities, the author aims to explore how interventions informed by new speakers’ perspectives have influenced language policies and contributed to the continuity of the new speaker concept.
Defining the new speaker in chapter 1 as an individual who learns a minority language through bilingual education, immersion, or migration, Williams notes that new speakers’ experiences are a continuum. This new speaker phenomenon continuum occurs in sociolinguistics and ethnography, which reflect on the emerging key concerns of the new speaker debate. To fully understand the concept of new speaker phenomena, the book divides it into eight chapters, each focusing on a specific region's language policy for new speakers. It begins in chapter 3 with an examination of the instance of Wales, in which the author assesses the significance of the new speaker phenomenon within official language policies. Williams illustrates the interplay that, when positive, can contribute to the survival and revitalization of endangered languages through conversations with diverse stakeholders.
Similarly, he discusses the difficulties of prioritising Gaelic language promotion items without unanimity. In chapter 4, he points out that disagreements over language policies may hinder language promotion efforts. In contrast to previous chapters, the author analyses in chapter 5 the Irish experience in a different manner, focusing on the gap between formal language promotion policy and actual Irish use. Williams observes that the language's low daily use raises issues about the system's ability to produce and retain new speakers in Ireland.
Following a similar empirical approach, chapter 6 examines Basque Country and Navarre in Spain. The author discovers that local governments and civil society activists are more likely than national politicians to advocate for language policies that address the requirements of new speakers. This is expanded in chapter 7, which explores the effectiveness of such language projects, with a focus on integrating new speakers for social cohesion in multilingual contexts in Catalonia and Galicia.
The book concludes with chapters 8 and 9, which explore international, state, regional, and local policy suggestions. Williams recognises the challenges of creating feasible suggestions and the relevance of political will and expediency in their implementation. He addresses the varying priorities of local authorities and the potential reluctance to prioritise the needs of new speakers, particularly international migrants and refugees.
Overall, the book's discussion raises questions concerning the new speaker phenomenon and language policy. To resolve unsolved issues and better comprehend new speakers’ role in language revitalisation, it recommends continuing research, collaboration, and communication. By considering the diverse contexts and perspectives examined in the book, scholars, policymakers, and language advocates can gain insights into the multifaceted nature of language policy and work towards more inclusive and effective approaches to language preservation.
