Endangered Languages in Brazil in 2021

Abstract

This contribution provides detailed information on the current state of affairs concerning endangered indigenous languages in Brazil. It first summarizes the current numbers of linguistic diversity in Brazil (around 160 languages in around 18 language families, eight being linguistic isolates) and language endangerment (all Brazilian indigenous languages are endangered to some degree, many of them severely). Then it describes the development and current state of achievements with regard to language documentation, covering both international programmes (DOBES, ELDP and others) and the national initiative Prodoclin. There are a good number of academic centres working on indigenous languages (but more personnel are needed) and two national archives; more archives and a more sustainable technical and institutional setting for the existing archives is needed. Then the article gives an account of Brazilian initiatives to survey and strengthen endangered languages, covering the 2010 national census and the national survey of linguistic diversity (INDL) as well as many community-based initiatives including language nests and projects focusing on indigenous knowledge or intercultural education. Finally, before providing a conclusion and brief outlook, the contribution offers as a case study a description of the endangered linguistic diversity and concerned initiatives in Rondônia.