Language Death Research Articles

Language Death Perspectivation of Planned or Unplanned Language Death

The present paper is a conceptual paper which explores the innate nature of languages exploring how they are in constant flux. From their sociological birth to them being politically accepted, languages go through a plethora of changes. This paper explores concepts like high and low varieties of language e.g. Hindi in playgrounds and Hindi used to teach; the concept of prestige associated with a language, as well as concepts like elaborate and restricted code by Basil Bernstein. It explores the creole continuum and how they are connected to language death. Diglossic conditions may also lead to languages being used over another leading to language disuse. Certain linguistic groups, despite having a working language, assimilate themselves with a larger language due to many possible reasons (economic, political, geographical or anything else). This paper will take the discussion forward with how policy decisions can also lead to systematic extinction of certain languages due to the farsightedness of language planning. Paulo Friere (Friere, 1985) spoke about how local languages can be the backbones of language education. This paper explores the inability of state level language planning policies at incorporating local languages into the curriculum leading to eventual endangerment of the language over generations. This paper will also look at languages with shared script and how it might be the result of language imperialism over centuries. The content and opinions expressed are that of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by/do not necessarily reflect the views of Azim Premji University.

Computational valency lexica and Homeric formularity

Abstract The wider availability of large-scale datasets and reproducible algorithms has boosted the application of NLP to living languages. On the other hand, dead languages benefit from the availability of curated resources both to offset the sparseness of available data and to make data accessible to researchers. We present here AGVaLex, a computational valency lexicon automatically extracted from the Ancient Greek Dependency Treebank. It contains quantitative corpus-driven morphological, syntactic and lexical information about verbs and their direct and indirect arguments and has a wide range of applications for the study of Ancient Greek. To illustrate these applications, we offer a case study that compares the semantic flexibility of transitive verb formulae in archaic Greek epic to a non-formulaic corpus, with the goal of detecting unique patterns of variation. We also illustrate the possibilities afforded by AGVaLex to scholars with a less extensive background in computational corpus-based research.

Redeeming a killer language: Protestant missionaries’ engagements with Bangala and Lingala in the Belgian Congo, 1900–1935

ABSTRACT Situated within the field of colonial and missionary linguistics, this paper discusses language-interventionist campaigns by Protestant missionaries working in the Belgian Congo, in particular their work on the languages Bangala and Lingala between 1900 and 1935. This time frame commences with a master plan to transform Bangala, by first “redeeming” it of its pidgin features, into “a killer language,” with the aim of supplanting all local languages utilized in Protestant missionary work. It closes with the establishment of a Lingala Committee, its attempts at creating a “Union Ngala,” and the first publication on Lingala by Baptist missionary Malcolm Guthrie in 1935, whose Lingala work would change the Protestants’ policy towards the language for good. The period between these two junctures was marked by resistance within Protestant circles against the master plan, attempts to counteract the resistance, and, above all, a wide range of debates and discussions, all manifesting notable language ideologies.

Dialectology Landscape: Duano Sea Tribe Communication at Jambi Province

Duano language in Sabak and Tungkal is included into the extinct language category. One way to avoid language extinction is through language revitalization or language documentation. The purpose of this research is to ascertain and explain the proto language and the kinship of Duano tribe in Sabak and Tungkal through dialectology. Then, language documentation is carried out to look at all related aspects from cognate to morpheme positioning. The writers used Proto Malayic from Adelaar (1992) as IPD instrument, The data sources are Duano language from Sabak and Tungkal regencies spoken by 10 respondents. This is a qualitative study. The data were collected through interview, note-taking, recording, and documentation. Then, they were analyzed comparatively. This research found 920 zero data, 510 lexical differences data, 1210 cognate, and 570 phonological differences data. This showed that almost 50% of the data has zero difference, which means they have the same vocabulary. Then, phonological difference is 7.01% indicating that the two languages are different Speech. Meanwhile, lexical difference is 35.29% implying that the two are different subdialects, The relationship between the two regions is very close., the number of vocabularies that belong to vocabulary shift was higher than the vocabulary maintenance. This means that language extinction is very high, especially in the Tungkal area.

Къэбэрдей-шэрджэсыбзэр ужьыхынымкIэ, кIуэдыжыпэнымкIэ шынагъуэ зыпылъ Iуэхугъуэ щхьэхуэхэр

This paper highlights the most important issues of the state and functioning of the modern Kabar-dino-Circassian language in impending globalization and the existing realities in the field of state language policy. The study examines the fundamental risk factors that, without appropriate drastic measures, will inevitably accelerate the process of extinction and subsequent disappearance of the Adyghe language. Material for the presented research was normative legal acts in the field of functioning, preservation and development of the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federa-tion, journalistic materials of the republican newspaper “Adyge Psal”, Kabardian broadcasts of radio and television of the Republic. The work uses descriptive, comparative research methods, synthesis, and analysis. Conducted research allows us to conclude that the most important condi-tion for the preservation and development of minority languages, which include Kabardino-Circassian, is the implementation of a unified “protective” state language policy in the country, which would not only declare the legal and social status of the language but also provide a real opportunity for its use in official spheres with a guarantee translation, since an indispensable con-dition for the functioning of any language is its relevance to society; the suppression of the cur-rently violent interference in the natural course of language development by introducing fictional terms into its vocabulary instead of established lexical units that native speakers actively use.

Implementation of Master’s degree programs in Artic indigenous languages in the higher education system (on the example of the Sámi language)

In this article, we discuss the specifics of implementing the Master’s degree program entitled “Technologies of teaching the Sámi language” launched at the Department of Philology, Intercultural Communication, and Journalism of the Murmansk Arctic University during the 2022–23 academic year. The lectures and practical sessions included in the program are briefly described. The methodological aspects of the discipline “Teaching the Sámi language (initial stage, school)” are presented in greater detail. The relevance of introducing a Master’s degree in this profile for reviving the Sámi language, which is on the verge of extinction, is shown. The factors leading to extinction of the indigenous language of the Kola North are outlined; measures for preserving and reviving the Sámi language are proposed.

A Metaphor to Build Empires: Imitatio and the Politics of Representation in European Humanism

In Western criticism and philosophy, Renaissance discussions of imitation have often been seen as both a legacy of Greece and Rome, and as the foundation of modern theories of art and literature. This investigation shows that the discussions of imitation that spread throughout the Renaissance were indeed adopted from Latin Roman discussions of poetry and rhetoric, but they have no connection to the famous Greek philosophical concepts of mimesis/imitation that are found in the work of Plato and Aristotle. Indeed, European concepts of imitatio/ imitation, as this study shows, developed their conceptual potential before Plato’s and Aristotle’s discussions of mimesis became familiar in Europe. Furthermore, Renaissance discussions of imitation were not theories of art and literature, as is commonly believed. They were simply an educational pedagogy that organized the appropriation of the canons of description of classical Latin into the vernaculars. The peculiarity and the scale of this pedagogy become evident when located within its geopolitical context. In the early modern era, neither the dead Latin language nor the vernaculars were equipped to manage the wealth or the administrative and cultural needs of ascending European states. Like Rome at the height of its power, European states were emerging empires in need of a language and a culture. And just like the Romans resorted to the imitation of Greek masterpieces in order to develop their language, Europeans advocated the imitation of Latin masterpieces to develop their vernaculars. But while the Romans resorted to imitatio often with resentment and bitterness at the impossibility to match the Greek achievement, European humanists considered imitatio to have been a resounding success [sic]. By adopting the Roman practice of imitatio, European cultures appropriated and internalized Roman ambivalence without solving or even identifying it.

An Analytical Review of Language Economics with a Discussion on Language Use, Policy and Planning in Sri Lanka

Language dynamics depend not only on factors as explained by sociolinguists but also on economic factors. Economics of language and economic analysis of language provide analytical framework for language choice, use of language, language development, language and economic wellbeing, language assimilation, language death, etc. This paper discusses theoretical aspects of economics of language and how language dynamics and economic factors are interrelated with a discussion on language use in Sri Lanka. The paper surveys literature on economics of language which considers language as a rational choice. Optimal language choice maximizes economic benefits subject to constraints. If a language does not serve the need of the people, the evolutionary forces work to improve its functioning, thus language remains incomplete. In a framework of human development, language skills enhance economic gains. As per the discrimination theory, marginalization of minority language speakers from economic activities was analyzed. It was also discussed that economic factors drive a society with many languages to choose one common language or to retain or preserve endangered minority languages. Another branch of research focused on the analysis of official language policies of countries. These studies were highly useful in understanding the relationship between economic factors and language issues and resulting language policy planning. In the discussion on language use in Sri Lanka, it is found that official and link language policies do not always ensure equal access to economic opportunities for different language users. Lack of official data and extensive research on language aspects and their economic concerns further restrict the implementation of better language policy and finally resolving language issues.

Features of Quranic Text Decording as a Partly Dead Arabic Language

Purpose of the study. The purpose of the study is to systematize the meanings of words and cases of modification of grammatical categories of names and verbs based on the decipherment of the Koranic text. Materials and research methods. The sentences of the Koranic text were analyzed using a continuous sampling method within the framework of suras and verses. The research material is the text of the Koran. It should be noted that the earliest texts of the Qur'an in Arabic available in the world date back to 1400 years. The texts of letters with dots and vowels (haraka) date back 1200 years, they are fully consistent with the modern texts of the Qur'an distributed throughout the world in books and on the Internet (الكريم القرآن). The objects of the study were the meanings of words, changing the person of the verb, changing the tense or mood of the verb, changing the case of names, replacing one morphological structure with another, using a present tense verb in the imperative mood and vice versa, replacing an active participle with a passive participle and vice versa, modification of verb inflections. Based on scientific interest in the illogically composed ancient text, an attempt was made to systematize the meanings of words and cases of modification of grammatical categories throughout the text. Research results. It is noted that modern Arabic only partially corresponds to the language of the Quranic text of a thousand years ago. The reason for this is that the modern understanding of the meanings of many Quranic words is not systematized, that is, the same word in the text of the Quran can have several meanings, which are revealed not only from the context, but also from traditions about the messenger Muhammad (Hadis). It was revealed that in the works of researchers it is believed that the language of the text of the Quran is complex due to the fact that it was created on the basis of rhyme, incomprehensible logic of the text, or this text is encrypted. Because of this, it is generally accepted that the Quranic text is encrypted, the full decryption of which is known only to its author. The meanings of words and cases of modification of grammatical categories of names and verbs found in the text of the Koran are systematized. Conclusions. The text of the Koran is voluminous, which is why it is not possible to manipulate the meanings of words and inflections of the verbs of the text, since they are found in sentences with different meanings. It is concluded that contextual analysis is the most promising and optimal method for studying the text of the Koran, its translation, as well as systematization of linguistic phenomena, in particular, the meanings of words and modifications of grammatical categories.

Racial segregation and language variation in Louisiana Creole: Social meaning in language loss

Abstract This paper investigates how and whether speakers of endangered languages employ variation as a stylistic resource to make social meaning and index their identities. The study is set in historically Creole-speaking communities in rural Louisiana, which have now shifted almost completely to English. The Americanization of Louisiana induced language shift, but also a shift to the Anglo-American racial binary which supplanted local constructs of ethnicity and race. The study crafts a historical-sociolinguistic account of this process of Americanization, examining how linguistic differentiation was enacted through the enregisterment of iconic ‘Creole’/‘French’ variants as indexical links to the ‘Black’/‘White’ racial binary. Today, to a very limited extent, some speakers of Louisiana Creole still consider some variants socially meaningful and employ them to stylistic ends. This depends especially on racial identity and the variant in question. Subject pronouns retain some indexical value, occasionally employed stylistically by speakers racialized as White. However, front vowel rounding has fossilized: highly meaningful in the early-20th century, its social meaning has been lost resulting in synchronic personal-pattern variation. The paper ends by trying to reconcile classic studies of Language Death with contemporary variationist critique, answering recent calls for more nuanced approaches to sociolinguistic variation in threatened languages.

Peran Pemerintah Daerah dalam Pemeliharaan Bahasa Daerah Melalui Pendekatan Baru Revitalisasi Bahasa Daerah Model B di Kabupaten Nagan Raya

The phenomenon of regional language extinction, particularly in Indonesia, is clearly evident and experienced by the language users themselves. In order to prevent the extinction of regional languages, the government has long established a legal framework for regional languages in Indonesia. The Minister of Education has also introduced guidelines (Models A and B) for the revitalization of local languages, with the aim of preserving them in Indonesia. These guidelines are intended to support local governments in adopting strategies to maintain and preserve local languages. Consequently, researchers have shown interest in examining the role of the Regional Government of Nagan Raya Regency in preserving the local language. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, utilizing data collection techniques such as observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews. The findings of this research indicate that 5 out of 6 approaches to regional language revitalization efforts have been implemented in line with the Language Development and Development Agency (2022). However, the Nagan Raya government has not yet implemented an immersion-based learning approach to language revitalization, as this program is still unfamiliar to them. Nevertheless, other approaches, such as one-day language practice, technology-based learning, religion, arts and culture, and creativity, have been successfully implemented.

Revitalising Endangered Languages: Challenges, Successes, and Cultural Implications

Language is a cornerstone of cultural identity, yet many of the world's languages are at risk of disappearing, either historically or as a result of deliberate actions by aggressive neighboring states, if not appropriately addressed. This paper examined worldwide endeavors to safeguard endangered languages and the cultural customs interwoven with them, using a case study of Ukraine and Russia. By conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses of the obtained data, the study focused on the case study design, based on document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and structured surveys. The findings highlighted the key successes in language revitalisation, mainly focusing on educational initiatives and technology-based solutions. Efforts such as community-led language schools, language documentation projects, and digital platforms have demonstrated potential in maintaining Ukrainian as a presently endangered language in territories militarily occupied by Russia and previously annexed areas, providing direct communication channels to counter an aggressor's objectives. Additionally, the role of government policies and international organisations in supporting language preservation was analysed, revealing how collaborative approaches can foster linguistic and cultural resilience. Significant challenges were identified. These challenges encompassed inadequate funding and limited local and global community engagement, and the complex dynamics of cultural assimilation because of fear and threat to life in the occupied lands. Moreover, the impact of language extinction on the cultural survival of minority groups (those few Ukrainian speaking or bilingual – Ukrainian and Russian, speaking people with the core values of the Ukrainian culture and identity) is profound, often leading to a loss of unique worldviews, oral traditions, and identity. The paper concluded with recommendations for future initiatives in language revitalisation, emphasising the need for holistic approaches that integrate the cultural understanding, technology, and community empowerment. It was contended that by tackling these issues, stakeholders can play a role in preserving not just languages but also the diverse tapestry of cultures they embody.

Community Displacement and Language Shift (In Reference to the Khamyang Community of Assam)

Language extinction has become a global crisis at the present time. Linguists and sociologists across the world have shown concern about this matter. A report says that every fourteen days, a language vanishes. However, language extinction does not always mean that native speakers of the languages are dead. Language Shifting is another cause of language extinction. The root cause of language shift is mainly discussed from a social perspective. Language endangerment may result from external forces, such as military, economic, religious, cultural, or educational subjugation. Thus, negative attitudes towards one’s own language may be an internal cause of a community. Sociolinguists have found that various factors seem to correlate with language shifting and diminishing in size. Voluntary or forced migration to a location outside their traditional territory has been a major cause for a community to change their language. Generally, minority people who migrate to other places sooner or later shift to the new dominant language. The present paper is a study on a small minority group, named Khamyang, living in Upper Assam, to discuss how the displacement compelled them to shift their language.

ROLE OF GENDER IN THE CONSERVATION OF THE NGABERE LANGUAGE IN SITIO PRADO, INDIGENOUS AREA

Language plays a significant role in our daily lives and is an essential part of our identity as human beings and members of society. It holds unique views, patterns, and beliefs distinct from its speakers; as Amery (2019) noted, when a minority group speaks a different language, they can choose to keep using it, become bilingual, or switch to the dominant language. The first option is language maintenance, where the community collectively chooses to keep using their traditional language(s) (Fasold, 1984). The second option is bilingualism, where individuals use both languages in different contexts for cognitive and social reasons, as Grosjean (2008) and García (2009) pointed out. Bilingualism is excellent for professional development and preserving heritage languages. Some Indian communities in America face language extinction, but some indigenous areas in Panama have successfully preserved their cultural heritage for centuries. A study was done to see if women in indigenous communities are less likely to use heritage languages than men. Participants took an oral and written exam and were asked which language they preferred for daily conversations. The study had support from a bilingual facilitator. The study was conducted with a sample of 120 people of legal age, including 60 men and 60 women, from the local area of Sitio Prado. Results showed that, as hypothesized, women are more conservative in the Ngäbere language than men by a small margin of difference of 3% in the preference level in using the Ngäbere language. It was also shown that both women and men are more conservative in their mother tongue between the ages of 24 and 29. Preserving the Ngäbere language is crucial for future generations and their cultural identity. It should be introduced into the formal education system.

The Research on Mongolian Dialects and Their Vitality

The research purpose is to study Mongolian dialects within the framework of the language-saving policy and to define their language vitality and endangerment based on some of the international criteria. In this research, we used several sociolinguistics methodologies such as sociological survey, collecting and developing the materials, investigative and statistical methods, comparing logical, correlation, analytic, synthetic methods, induction, and deduction. Here the authors tried to study the Language Vitality and Endangerment/Language Vitality Assessment (UNESCO 2003), which is used more commonly and frequently at the international level, to define Mongolian dialects’/languages’ vitality,
 Finally, our research was made on eighteen Mongolian dialects such as khotong, darkhad, khalkh, Kazakh, bayad, uzemchin, torguud etc…. As a result of the research, most of the Mongolian dialects included in the categories such as don’t heritage their languages to the next generation or severely endangered. During the research, we observed that several factors such as demography, politics, geography, social and economic situation, psychology, population movement, government policy on language, and others are influencing the extinction of the minority languages of the nations and ethnic groups.
 Eventually, it is necessary to study, save, revitalize, and document the dialects and pass them to on the next generation.

Linguistic Genocide of Minority and Mother Tongue Languages: Unravelling International Implications on Indian Laws Through a Critical Discourse

Language is an inherent and intrinsic form of human communication, and India is renowned for its extensive range of languages. Nevertheless, the languages that are spoken in India, which play a crucial role in fostering this diverse cultural landscape, have encountered obstacles stemming from the forces of globalisation and domestic prejudice over an extended period of time. This paper underscores the concerning phenomenon of language attrition throughout history, wherein numerous languages have become extinct, resulting in fragmented remnants of cultural heritage. The majority of extinct languages were of Indigenous origin, suggesting a discernible racial bias in their eradication. Many linguists see the current situation as linguistic genocide, the intentional destruction of languages to achieve cultural unity. This study assesses the laws and policies pertaining to minority languages in India and examines their compatibility with international standards. This paper examines the difficulties associated with the implementation of language preservation legislation and explores the potential consequences of linguistic genocide on cultural identity, social cohesion and human rights within the context of India.

"Only Amharic or Leave Quick!": Linguistic Genocide in the Western Tigray Region of Ethiopia

"Only Amharic or Leave Quick!": Linguistic Genocide in the Western Tigray Region of Ethiopia

Campur Kode dalam Lirik Lagu-Lagu Bagus Wirata: Kajian Sosiolinguistik

In recent years, the practice of code mixing in public communication in Bali has increased. Code mixing events can occur anytime and anywhere. One form of code mixing that has attracted attention is code mixing in pop song lyrics, especially Balinese pop songs. This is a concern in itself regarding the character of Balinese Pop songs, which were initially aimed at preserving Balinese art and culture, especially in terms of language, but have become something that seems to be forced solely for the sake of market demands. The formulation of the problem in this research is: 1) What is the form of code mixing in the lyrics of songs sung by Bagus Wirata 2) What factors encourage code mixing in the lyrics of songs sung by Bagus Wirata. The research approach used is an empirical method because the use of Balinese in the lyrics of Bagus Wirata's songs already exists naturally. The object of research in this research is the songs sung by singer Bagus Wirata. The data collection methods used were document study, observation and interviews.The research results are; 1. The form of code mixing in the lyrics of songs sung by Bagus Wirata is: The use of code mixing in the form of words is most often used in the lyrics of songs sung by Bagus Wirata with a total usage percentage of 63%. Code mixing in the form of clauses ranks second with a usage percentage of 19%. The remainder is code mixing in the form of phrases amounting to 13%, code mixing in the form of basters 3% and code mixing in the form of repeated words 2%. 2. Factors that encourage code mixing in the lyrics of songs sung by Bagus Wirata are; 1) language dominance, 2) language attitudes, 3) psycholinguistic motivation, 4) lack of equivalent words in Balinese, 5) commercial target market. 3. The impact of using code mixing on the Balinese language, namely; 1) destruction of the Balinese language system, 2) extinction of the Balinese language.

“I had no knowledge of this”: disrupting majoritarian narratives regarding Mexican American K12 students and employing documentary film in the preparation of equity-oriented school leaders

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines the experiences of primarily Latinx and Black aspirant school leaders in a social-justice oriented principal preparation program situated within a Hispanic Serving Institution in South Texas. Through the usage of weekly journal reflections and semi-structured interviews, this action research study employs Critical Race Theory, critical race heuristics, majoritarian narratives, and counter-stories as theoretical lenses to map the perspectives of aspiring school leaders as they view the film Stolen Education a documentary highlighting the historical injustices Mexican American K12 students endured in South Texas. Findings from this research highlight the erasure of Latinx history from K12 history books; the role of linguistic genocide in the film and in participants’ family histories; and the linkages between past and present injustices for Latinx pupils in K12 schools. The authors provide a discussion and implications on preparing school leaders given a growing conservative movement to squelch social justice issues from P20 education.

Translating Educational and Cultural Literacy Works under Berne, Ius Cogens, and Linguistic Genocide

The lack of works for educational and cultural literacy purposes in their own languages threatens the cultural survival of many vulnerable minority and indigenous groups worldwide. Translation could satisfy related access needs. A strict reading of international copyright law, however, does not facilitate the translation of works into other languages. Yet, it is often forgotten that, in accordance with the integration rule of treaty interpretation, the Berne Convention, and other relevant international intellectual property instruments, would have to be read in the light of internationally protected linguistic human rights in education and for cultural literacy. This mechanism could go some way towards assisting the easier translation of (parts of) works for the stated purposes into other languages. The argument made in this article, however, is that a harmonious reading of existing international copyright law with international human rights law cannot go as far as to sufficiently resolve the access needs of vulnerable groups speaking an endangered language, insofar as translated texts are concerned. In fact, it is contended that the existing regulation of translation under international copyright law is so inimical to the survival of vulnerable groups and their languages that it must be held to promote cultural or linguistic genocide. For that reason, the relevant copyright rules must be considered to conflict with ius cogens, that is, peremptory norms of international law, and to be void in their application to neglected languages. The article makes suggestions as to how countries could design national copyright law regulating translation rights and limitations and exceptions in a way that facilitates translation generally, and into neglected languages specifically. These suggestions are based on a reappraisal of the true character of translation, which must be seen to be highly transformative in nature and resulting in the creation of autonomous new works.