Language attitudes and language revival/survival

Abstract

Language attitudes can be positive or negative, and can have both positive and negative effects on language revival/survival, depending on how deeply ingrained the attitude may be in the holder's mind. Some attitudes are changeable and others are not. Often, a person may not recognise that they hold a certain attitude, until circumstances call it to the surface. This paper considers language revival scenarios in Australian Aboriginal language communities to explore where language attitudes can have an impact. Communal attitudes may oppose the revival of languages without living speakers, or may promote the idea that revival is impossible. Two examples of language revival in Australia are discussed, namely the Badjala (Butchulla) language programme in south-east Queensland, and the Jingulu and Mudburra programme in Elliott, a remote community in the Northern Territory. Attitudinal challenges for revival programmes are examined, as well as types of support needed for success.