How can linguists support language revitalization efforts in the Brazilian context?

Abstract

In the last 20 years, language revitalization efforts have grown to the point where we can now talk about a global movement to save the linguistic diversity that exists in different parts of the world. Linguists have long benefited from this multilingualism and in many cases have helped preserve it. In Brazil, we see a growing number of linguists from different subfields trying to find ways in which they can support indigenous communities in their efforts to reverse language loss. As part of a volume on linguistics and education, this paper discusses the potential roles linguists can play in language transmission scenarios where there is a minoritized, endangered language involved. It uses a language planning frame to describe revitalization efforts and to present suggestions to linguists that would like to explore and expand the impact of their work. It is an attempt by a linguist to establish a conversation with other linguists. The perspectives presented here do not represent the point of view of local communities and should be taken for what they are and who they represent.