Indigenous Language Revitalization
Indigenous languages have been under attack since the late 1800's. Our great grandparents were punished for speaking their languages causing entire family lines to be cut off from traditional knowledge, identity, and cultural lifeways. Indigenous people have been trying to reclaim their languages outside of their homes and within their tribes since 1978. Endangered languages have made comebacks in Israel, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Language is the power of creation and distinctly human. So why then, are stories of widespread successful speaker creation in indigenous communities so rare? My research is on successful techniques and methodologies applied by unique individuals and language departments for accelerated second language acquisition of under-resourced indigenous languages. L1 speakers are in their 80's and 90's and institutions across the United States need to adjust the ways they help indigenous communities and empower community language workers. I wish to shift the focus away from extractive documentation for publication and towards equipping people in revitalization efforts with the skills needed to create second language speakers quickly and efficiently.
Research Presentation and Q&A
Location: McKenzie Commons, Liberal Arts Building 1st floor (LBR-1251)
Time: 12:00-1:10 p.m.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
Interpreter Requested?
No