Quali politiche linguistiche per una lingua minoritaria in pericolo?

I will discuss best practices in language planning; more specifically, I will focus on common mistakes that can hinder otherwise successful policies. My case study will centre on the Sardinian language policies undertaken in the last two decades. My work will provide an overall picture of the vitality of the Sardinian language and the sociolinguistic profiles and actual proficiency level of its current speakers. I will argue that it is crucial that planners take such information into account, even more so at a time when an increasing number of minority language speakers are, in effect, heritage speakers. These speakers must be actively involved in the planning process, and their linguistic competence (however incomplete) must be taken seriously. I will show that decision-makers’ and educators' widespread disregard of these matters is a serious obstacle to any successful language planning policy.