Saving Languages: An Introduction to Language Revitalization

by Lenore A. Grenoble, Lindsay J. Whaley

Overview

Written not only for linguists and anthropologists, this book serves as a general reference guide to language revitalization for language activists and community members who believe they should ensure the future use of their languages, despite their predicted loss. Drawing extensively on case studies, it highlights the necessary background and central issues such as literacy, policy decisions, and allocation of resources. The volume's primary goal is to provide the essential tools for a successful language revitalization program, setting and achieving realistic goals, and anticipating and resolving common obstacles.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521016520
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/03/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.06(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Lenore A. Grenoble is Professor of Russian and Linguistics at Dartmouth College, Hanover.

Lindsay J. Whaley is Professor of Classics and Linguistics at Dartmouth College, Hanover.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Language revitalization as a global issue; 2. Issues in language revitalization; 3. Models for revitalization; 4. Case studies; 5. Literacy; 6. Orthography; 7. Creating a language program; Appendix: online resources; References; Index of languages; General index.

Editorial Reviews

"Written in English, the world's most dangerous language, the book is most accessible to linguists and, in part, to the educated elite of developed-world communities, especially those where English is the endangering language. In some cases, these communities have already made their own overt or covert choices about language maintenance and are able to carry out their own advocacy and networking and to participate in decisions about evitalization program goals, content, and methods' for them, this book can provide some ideas and faciliate such programs. In other cases, this volume may provide some impetus to community leaders. It is also a very valuable summary for linguistic, anthropological, and other community-based fieldworkers." - David Bradlye, La Trobe University

From the Publisher