The study of language preservation and policies for shaping language.
Languages of the world and language decline
There are an estimated 7,000 languages spoken in the world today, but this number is rapidly decreasing. According to UNESCO, there are around 2,500 languages that are considered endangered, and it is estimated that one language becomes extinct every 14 days.
There are several factors that contribute to language decline, which can lead to the eventual extinction of a language. Economic and social changes, such as urbanization and globalization, can lead to a shift towards dominant languages and cultures, causing a decline in the use of minority languages.
Educational systems that do not support or actively discourage the use of minority languages can contribute to language decline. For example, in the 19th century, children in Welsh schools would be subject to corporal punishment for speaking in Welsh. This led to the language almost dying out, and until it was revitalized in the late 20th century.
Language documentation and its contributions to linguistic diversity
Language documentation is the process of collecting, describing, and preserving linguistic data and information about a language or languages, particularly endangered or under-documented ones.
This can include collecting recordings of speech and text, compiling dictionaries and grammars, and documenting cultural practices and knowledge associated with the language. Language revitalization, on the other hand, refers to efforts to maintain or revive the use of endangered languages.
Language documentation plays a crucial role in preserving linguistic diversity by providing a record of endangered languages and their associated cultures. This documentation can be used for language revitalization efforts, as well as for linguistic research and education.
Additionally, documentation can provide a way for speakers of endangered languages to reclaim and preserve their linguistic heritage, and can serve as a tool for cultural preservation.
Methods, tools and resources in language documentation and revitalization
There are various methods, tools, and resources that are used in language documentation and revitalization. Fieldwork is the process of collecting linguistic data in the field, such as by conducting interviews, making recordings, and collecting written texts.
Fieldwork is a key aspect of language documentation, and is often carried out by linguists, anthropologists, and other researchers. Corpus building is the process of creating a collection of texts, audio recordings, and other linguistic data, which can be used for research and documentation.
Language description involves describing the linguistic features of a language, such as phonology, grammar, and vocabulary. Language learning materials can be designed to help speakers of endangered languages learn and use their language, such as language learning apps, books, and flashcards.
Language technology can be used to assist with language documentation and revitalization, such as speech recognition and machine translation. Archiving and preservation involve preserving and making accessible the linguistic data that has been collected, such as through archives and online databases.
Language revitalization
Language revitalization is the process of reversing or halting the decline of a language that is at risk of becoming endangered or extinct. It aims to increase the number of speakers, as well as the domains in which the language is used, such as in education, media, government, and cultural events.
Language revitalization efforts can take many forms, including
(i) providing language education to children and adults, particularly through immersion programs
(ii) developing orthography and standardizing the language
(iii) encouraging the use of the language in media, government, and cultural events,
(iv) promoting the language and its culture to raise awareness and interest in it, and
(v) creating opportunities for intergenerational transmission of the language.
Case studies of successful language revitalization
There are several examples of successful language revitalization efforts around the world. The Maori language, an indigenous language of New Zealand, was on the brink of extinction in the 20th century, but revitalization efforts have been successful in reversing this trend.
The government has implemented language immersion programs in schools, and the language is now taught in universities and used in the media. Welsh, a Celtic language spoken in Wales, has been revitalized through government efforts to promote its use in education and the media.
The Hawaiian language was nearly lost after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, but it has been successfully revitalized through language immersion programs in schools and the use of Hawaiian language in media, government, and cultural events.
Hebrew was a dormant language, spoken mostly by religious Jews, at the turn of the 20th century, but it was revitalized by the Zionist movement and became the official language of Israel. Hebrew language education and promotion in media, government, and cultural events has led to near-universal fluency in Israel.
Understanding the cultural significance of language revitalization
Language revitalization is not only important for the preservation of linguistic heritage but also plays a significant role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Language is closely tied to culture and identity, and the loss of a language can also mean the loss of a unique way of understanding and interacting with the world.
Many languages are closely tied to traditional knowledge, such as ecological knowledge, medicinal practices, and spiritual beliefs. Revitalizing a language can help ensure that this knowledge is passed on to future generations.
Language is an integral part of cultural identity, and the loss of a language can mean the loss of an important aspect of a community’s identity. Revitalizing a language can help preserve and promote cultural identity.
Planning and implementing revitalization strategies
There are a number of effective ways for planning and implementing language revitalization strategies.
1. Involve the community: Language revitalization efforts should be community-led and involve the participation of language speakers and community members. This will ensure that the strategies are tailored to the needs and priorities of the community.
2. Develop a comprehensive language plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the goals, strategies, and resources needed for language revitalization. This plan should be based on research and data, and should involve input from community members and experts.
3. Prioritize language education: Language education is a key component of language revitalization. Strategies should be developed to provide language education to children and adults, including immersion programs, language classes, and materials.
4. Encourage the use of the language in everyday life: Create opportunities for the community to use the language in their daily lives. This can include promoting the use of the language in media, government, and cultural events.
5. Create resources and materials: Develop resources and materials such as dictionaries, grammars, and textbooks to support language education and use.
6. Foster intergenerational language transmission: Encourage and support the transmission of the language from one generation to the next. This can include family-based language programs, language nests, and mentoring programs.
7. Monitor and evaluate progress: Regularly monitor and evaluate progress to ensure that the strategies are having the desired impact and make adjustments as needed.
8. Maintain a long-term perspective: Language revitalization is a long-term process, and it is important to maintain a long-term perspective and not expect immediate results.
Remember that language revitalization strategies should be implemented with an understanding of the political, social, and economic context of the community. Collaboration and cooperation between the community, government, and academic institutions is also crucial for successful revitalization.
