Language policy formation in higher education: discursive tension and legitimacy-seeking deliberation

How are processes of language policy formation carried out? Besides, how does one negotiate competing discourses in a process to ensure its legitimacy? Such questions sparked the interest for this study, which examines legitimization involved development guidelines at higher education institution Norway. The article different actors strive obtain legitimacy their views, as well whole.The data collected include audio recordings meetings committee, submissions from round consultations, and guidelines. shows drawing on concerning use English Norwegian met during process. Due tension between discourses, committee had take several steps order final be acknowledged legitimate. Most importantly, range voices included. offers insight scholarship it highlights settings draws attention context defines what is seen legitimate, allowing future comparative perspectives.