1st Edition
Applied Linguists Needed Cross-disciplinary Networking in Endangered Language Contexts
It is a fact that the world’s languages are dying at an alarming rate. This comprehensive volume aspires to raise awareness among applied linguists and language practitioners about the needs and concerns of endangered language communities. It suggests that the way forward lies in building language revitalization teams reflecting the levels of expertise that the fields of formal linguistics and applied linguistics have to offer – in how well researchers and practitioners exploit a tremendous networking potential across disciplines to address the needs of revitalization, stabilization, or maintenance in these communities.
A wide range of expert contributors addresses the following themes: (1) how varied language teaching contexts dictate what applied linguists bring to the table; (2) how training in applied linguists can empower members of the speaking community; (3) why we should critically examine the issues and terminology used to describe endangered language contexts; and (4) how linguistic skills can be adapted and integrated, conceptually and pedagogically, into non-traditional teaching contexts. The strength of this collection lies in bringing together expert applied and field linguists whose work represents extensive field experiences, theoretical expertise, and passionate resolve to act.
This book was originally published as a special issue of Language and Education.
1. Introduction Lida Cope, East Carolina University, USA and Susan Penfield, University of Arizona, USA
2. Language Hotspots: What (applied) linguistics and education should do about language endangerment in the 21st century Gregory D. S. Anderson, Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages and National Geographic Society, USA
3. From documenting to revitalizing an endangered language: Where do applied linguists fit? Susan D. Penfield, University of Arizona, USA and Benjamin V. Tucker, University of Alberta, Canada
4. Language revitalization and language pedagogy: New teaching and learning strategies Leanne Hinton, University of California, Berkeley, USA
5. Applied linguistics: Delivering linguistic training to speakers of endangered languages Sally Rice, University of Alberta, Canada
6. Some ways to endangered an endangered language project Lindsay Whaley, Dartmouth College, USA
7. Resiliance linguistics, orthography, and the Gong David Bradley, La Trobe University, Australia
8. From ethnocultural pride to promoting the Texas Czech vernacular: Current maintenance efforts and unexplored possibilities Lida Cope, East Carolina University, USA
Biography
Lida Cope is an associate professor of applied linguistics in the Department of English at East Carolina University, USA. Her research focuses on the language, culture, and identity of ethnic Czech Moravians in Texas.
Language extinction becomes more relevant and more real to people through reports from the frontlines like those found in this volume. In studies ranging from Texas Czech to Thailand's Gong language, we see remarkable efforts--community-driven and linguist-aided--at language resilience, revitalization and survival. Understanding the pressures and everyday realities of small speech communities allows us to see how these give rise to global trends such as language hotspots. This perspective also helps reveal that the answer lies in education, pedagogy and broad-based support for the value and utility of local languages. These papers provide a compelling argument that linguists can and should be strong advocates on behalf of language diversity and revitalization. By aiming for positive social impact as well as solid science, linguistics becomes more relevant, more grounded, and more humanitarian in its values. These papers show us the way. K. David Harrison, Swarthmore College and Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages, USA
This vibrant collection of papers by leading linguists places language documentation and revitalization at the center of the linguistics agenda. Reflecting the urgency of worldwide language endangerment, the authors call for closing multiple gaps — between formal linguistic work and community education needs, academic disciplines, and professional expertise. Presenting empirical examples from western Thailand, eastern Siberia, the People’s Republic of China, Native North America and ethnic Czech communities in Texas, the authors offer cautionary tales as well as proactive recommendations for bridging the gaps. Together, the chapters provide a compelling rationale for collaboration among all stakeholders in the reciprocal project of linguistic documentation and community-based language revitalization. Teresa L. McCarty, A.W. Snell Professor of Education Policy Studies, Professor of Applied Linguistics, and Co-director, Center for Indian Education, Arizona State University, USA
This slim but informative volume, directed at both applied linguists and
language practitioners, gives a comprehensive look at how applied linguists can
contribute to programs aimed at language revitalization and maintenance [...] This volume clearly and concisely outlines successes and challenges of the two
disciplines, and lays a framework for applied linguists to enter the paradigm. Jessica G. Cox, PhD Candidate in Spanish Applied Linguistics, Georgetown University, USA
