Sustaining Linguistic Diversity
Endangered and Minority Languages and Language Varieties
Published on 6. March 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
246 pages
978-1-58901-192-2 (ISBN)
Description
In the last three decades, the field of endangered and minority languages has evolved rapidly, moving from the initial dire warnings of linguists to a swift increase in the number of organizations, funding programs, and community-based efforts dedicated to documentation, maintenance, and revitalization. "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" brings together cutting-edge theoretical and empirical work from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. Together, these contributions provide a state-of-the-art overview of current work in defining, documenting, and developing the world's smaller languages and language varieties.The book begins by grappling with how we define endangerment - how languages and language varieties are best classified, what the implications of such classifications are, and who should have the final say in making them. The contributors then turn to the documentation and description of endangered languages and focus on best practices, methods and goals in documentation, and on current field reports from around the globe.
The latter part of the book analyzes current practices in developing endangered languages and dialects and particular language revitalization efforts and outcomes in specific locations. Concluding with critical calls from leading researchers in the field to consider the human lives at stake, "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" reminds scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators that linguistic diversity can only be sustained in a world where diversity in all its forms is valued.
The latter part of the book analyzes current practices in developing endangered languages and dialects and particular language revitalization efforts and outcomes in specific locations. Concluding with critical calls from leading researchers in the field to consider the human lives at stake, "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" reminds scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators that linguistic diversity can only be sustained in a world where diversity in all its forms is valued.
Reviews / Votes
Sustaining Linguistic Diversity is an excellent contribution to the growing literature dealing with language endangerment. It provides a thoughtful and reflective approach not only to the overarching questions related to language endangerment, but also in-depth analysis of a number of challenging and often puzzling case studies. This is a book that any serious applied linguist ought to read. Language Problems and Language Planning [The] diversity of the material, the inclusion of plenty of varied linguistic data, tables and charts, and the range of viewpoints offered make this a refreshing book that will be enjoyed and valued by many. Journal of SociolinguisticsMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Washington, DC
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
372 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-58901-192-2 (9781589011922)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Kendall A. King is an associate professor in the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University. She is author of Language Revitalization Processes and Prospects and coeditor of the Encyclopedia of Language and Education, Volume 10. Natalie Schilling-Estes is an associate professor in the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University. She is coauthor of American English: Dialects and Variation and coeditor of the Handbook of Language Variation and Change. Lyn Fogle, Jia Jackie Lou, and Barbara Soukup are doctoral students in the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University.
Content
Introduction Kendall A. King, Natalie Schilling-Estes, Lyn Fogle, Jia Jackie Lou, and Barbara Soukup PART I: DEFINING 1. Linguistic Diversity, Sustainability, and the Future of the PastSuzanne Romaine 2. When is an "Extinct Language" Not Extinct? Miami, a Formerly Sleeping LanguageWesley Y. Leonard 3. Evaluating Endangerment: Proposed Metadata and ImplementationM. Paul Lewis PART II: DOCUMENTING4. Endangered Language Varieties: Vernacular Speech and Linguistic Standardization in Brazilian PortugueseGregory R. Guy and Ana M.S. Zilles5. The Linguistic Negotiation of Complex Racialized Identities by Black Appalachian SpeakersChristine Mallinson 6. Working at "9 to 5" Gaelic: Speakers, Context, and Ideologies of an Emerging Minority Language RegisterEmily McEwan-Fujita7. Voice and Biliteracy in Indigenous Language Revitalization: Contentious Educational Practices in Quechua, Guarani, and Maori ContextsNancy H. Hornberger PART III: DEVELOPING 8. Endangering Language Vitality through Institutional Development: Ideology, Authority, and Official Standard Irish in the GaeltachtTadhg O hIfearnain 9. Scandinavian Minority Language Policies in Transition: The Impact of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Norway and SwedenLeena Huss 10. Language Development in Eritrea: The Case of BlinPaul D. Fallon 11. Indigenous Language Policies in Social Practice: The Case of NavajoTeresa L. McCarty, Mary Eunice Romero-Little, and Ofelia Zepeda 12. Heritage Language Education in the United States: A Need to Reconceptualize and RestructureJoy Kreeft Peyton, Maria Carreira, Shuhan Wang, and Terrence G. Wiley 13. Language Diversity and the Public InterestWalt Wolfram AFTERWORD 14. At What Cost? Methods of Language Revival and Protection: Examples from HebrewElana Shohamy 15. Unendangered Dialects, Endangered PeopleWilliam Labov Index