The sociocultural ecology of language
Definition: Language exists in a sociocultural ecology: this approach investigates how language relates to the social and cultural forces that shape the conditions of speakers and speech communities (Steffensen and Fill 2014:7)
Steffensen and Fill also elaborate, that “when one focuses on the sociocultural ecology of language, one sees human (linguistic) interaction that both constitutes and is constituted by larger social and societal structures that include institutions, economic processes and sociocultural resources” (2014:12).
What impact do the following have on language?
Institutions
standardisation and form of language, financial resources, language planning and policies, implementing formal and informal education, revitalisation, impact of 'big' languages for minor(ity) language speakers