The Impact of Language Policy on National Identity in Timor-Leste from an Incrementalism Perspective

Abstract

In the early years of its existence, Timor-Leste's government adopted a number of policies to build a national identity in order to achieve national stability and development, of which language policy was an important component. In the wake of the 2006 crisis in Timor-Leste, the government has continued to improve its language policy in response to the social situation. This paper presents a systematic analysis of East Timorese language policy through progressivism theory. It is argued that although improvements in East Timorese language policy have continued, they have been slow and still favour Portuguese. This has created intergenerational differences and marginalised unofficial language groups. This has undoubtedly harmed the construction of its national identity, and the lack of legislation has put Tetum, the national language, in a relatively awkward position. This paper argues that there is still much room for reform in the educational and legislative aspects of language policy in East Timor.