Language Revitalization Research Articles

The Jimmie Barker corpus: A Muruwari man’s documentation of Aboriginal languages, history and culture between 1968 and 1972

ABSTRACT Jimmie Barker (1900–1972) was a Muruwari Elder, Cultural Knowledge Holder, linguist, historian, ethnographer, inventor and sound engineer who produced over 113 h of audio recordings using reel-to-reel tape recorders between 1968 and 1972. Jimmie was supported in his endeavours by Janet Mathews and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) (formerly, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies). The “Barker Collection” of audio recordings is now housed in the AIATSIS Collection. Jimmie initially set out to record a Muruwari-English dictionary, but this expanded into documenting Muruwari language and culture, as well as personal, family, domestic and international history. Much of the collection comprises self-elicitation, metalinguistic analyses, oral histories and reflections. It includes some of the earliest recordings and language documentation by an Aboriginal person of other Aboriginal people, observations of typological properties and language change in Aboriginal languages, and critical analyses of linguistic and anthropological research. Since 2021, Roy J. Barker, grandson of Jimmie and Muruwari Cultural Knowledge Holder, has overseen a team of linguists designing a time-aligned ELAN corpus of Jimmie’s recordings for language revival outcomes. The recordings are transcribed, annotated with metadata and coded with cultural and language tags with consideration to the FAIR and CARE Principles.

Evaluation of local language learning in the Limola language revitalization

Limola is one of Indonesia’s endangered languages, makingit imperative to pass on Limola culture and language to a younger generation. The Limolalanguage revitalization program in Sassa Village, Baebunta District, North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province seeks to preserve the Limola language and culture by teaching the younger generation Limola drama, songs, and poetry. Therefore, this study evaluates the key performance indicators of Limola culture and language learning in the revitalization program to identify the identity of the To Limola society after learning Limola culture and language, and (2) evaluate the implementation of the Limola language community-based revitalization. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach that involved desk study data collection techniques and in-depth interviews with the participants and instructors from the Limola language revitalization program. A sociolinguistic in termsof language and identity research approach was taken to analyzethe data and explore the local content in the language learning materials. The data analysis was also based on the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) evaluation model and language progress indicators to evaluate the implementation success. The results revealed that the Limola revitalization language learning materials have local content that strongly reflects the identity of the To Limola society. While the Limola language revitalization participants learned both the Limola language and culture, the implementation did not appear to have had a significant impact on increasing the interest of the younger generation in using the Limola language.

Mykolas Firkovičius (1924–2000) and his work as a unique basis for the Karaim language revival

This article presents the contribution of Mykolas Firkovičius (1924–2000) to the revival and continuation of the Karaim language through three strands of his activities: religion, poetry and the language itself. Mykolas Firkovičius was a native speaker of Karaim, Karaim community leader in Lithuania for many years and officially served a senior priest in 1993–2000. Among other works, he published texts in Karaim, sources, poetry compilations, prayerbooks, textbooks, and wrote himself in Karaim. He was a man that profoundly helped his nation to continue its cultural and linguistic life after disastrous times that interrupted Karaim legacy, changed and transformed it. He provided plenty of material to be used by those who want to survive as Karaims, to still speak the language, and to stay strong rooted in the traditions.

Ethnic Media and the Mobilization of Identity

This paper studies the relationship between ethnic media, which produce content in a minority language, and the success of ethnic parties. I argue that, by embedding cultural traits in entertainment products, media outlets can shape the salience of group identity, which helps parties’ mobilization efforts. I test this argument in the case of the Basque Country where, in the late phase of the Franco regime, an independent radio station operated by local clergy promoted the revival of regional language. Using contemporary, archival, and survey data, I show that exposure to ethnic radio increased support for new radical independentist parties and that the effect is driven by formerly Spanish-speaking municipalities with low historical support for Basque nationalism. I also show that radio increased bilingualism in subsequent generations and contributed to the bundling of ethnic identity revival and radical political ideology during the democratic transition.

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.

A losing battle? Interrogating the importance of ‘minority’ languages in expressing symbols of national identity in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT This paper interrogates the importance of minority languages in expressing symbols of national identity in Zimbabwe where minority languages have been officially recognised since 2013. The national symbol of focus is the national anthem. Using critical sociolinguistics, the study analyses responses from speakers of selected minority languages in Zimbabwe with regard to their language preferences, choices and limitations as they express national symbols. Selected groups comprise speakers of Sotho, Kalanga, Nambya and Tonga. Language activists and scholars have lobbied for the use of minority languages in every sphere of Zimbabwean life. The extent to which ordinary citizens advocate similarly is less understood as speakers of minority languages have different concerns in terms of the role played by their languages in fostering a Zimbabwean identity, especially through identity markers such as national anthems. This study seeks to fill that lacuna in the literature. Findings indicate ambivalent positions among speakers of minority languages as not all of them subscribe to the activist thinking. The group which fully embraces activist advocacy is the Tonga speakers who have historically exercised autonomy. Other groups’ identities are shaped by the speakers’ protracted experience with dominant languages and consequent attitudes towards dominant and minority languages.

The Development of Javanese Glossary Website as a Form of Language Maintenance and Revitalization

As a vital component of cultural identity, language is under pressure as a result of globalization. This article discusses the creation of a website that provides a dictionary of Javanese phrases to help preserve and revitalize the language. In this study, we collect, categorize, and display Javanese words on electronic resources. In addition, the system usability scale (SUS) was used to conduct usability tests on the investigated websites to determine how user-friendly they actually were. Gathering terms from multiple sources, categorizing them, and developing a user-friendly interface with a search bar are all steps in the process of making a website. Users from all walks of life fill out the SUS questionnaire as part of the usability testing process. The test results reveal how well the website satisfies its users' requirements. Creating a database of Javanese words online and putting it through the SUS test is a great example of how technology can be used to help preserve a language and its heritage. It is believed that by taking this step, more people will become familiar with the Javanese language and become invested in its continued existence in the modern world. The usability testing results demonstrate that the development strategy and interface design effectively fostered a positive user experience. High scores on the SUS questionnaire, with an average rating of 80.25, indicate that users find the website satisfactory and user-friendly.

Indigenous Language Revitalization Movements: Resistance Against Colonial Linguistic Domination

Indigenous communities worldwide have confronted the persistent threat of cultural assimilation and linguistic erasure as a result of colonial dominance. In response, robust language revitalization movements have emerged as acts of resistance, seeking to reclaim indigenous languages and safeguard cultural heritage. Led by indigenous intellectuals, educators, and activists, these movements encompass diverse initiatives, including the establishment of community-based language schools, advocacy for language rights, and cultural resurgence endeavors. By contesting colonial language ideologies and fostering intergenerational connections, indigenous communities reaffirm their linguistic autonomy and cultural sovereignty. This paper critically examines the significance of indigenous-led language revitalization movements in preserving linguistic diversity, challenging entrenched colonial legacies, and affirming indigenous rights to linguistic and cultural self-determination. Through an exploration of these movements, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the resilience and agency of indigenous peoples in the face of historical oppression and ongoing struggles for cultural survival and revitalization.

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.

Who is the language policy for? Translation discrepancies and their implications to (dis)trust

This paper investigates the impact of language policy translation as a discursive action on historical and political mechanisms of trust within the context of Indigenous language revitalization in Taiwan. Combining a critical discourse studies approach and translation theories, we examine the translation discrepancies between the Chinese source text and the English translation of Tawain’s Indigenous Language Development Act (2017). We focus on the analysis of the interpersonal meanings conveyed by two Chinese modal verbs (ying/應 and de/得), aiming to elucidate how Taiwan’s Government positions itself within both language versions. The findings suggest that the government constructs itself as more actively responsible for the Indigenous language development in the English version. This strategic move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s international reputation as the English version is meant for global audiences. Considering language policy is inherently ideological with the government’s political intentions, we discuss the implication of distrust created by the translation discrepancy. This study highlights that language policy translation can be recontextualized to suit a government’s political agendas and ideological appropriations.

The Perceptions of Indigenous Language and Cultural Synergy in Ghana and Sierra Leone: A Cross-Cultural Study

This study examined how young people perceive the revitalization of indigenous languages in multicultural environments. The research team gathered data from a stratified random sample of 200 participants hailing from diverse rural and urban areas in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the study employed questionnaires and interviews to gauge local community perceptions toward indigenous language revitalization in Ghana and Sierra Leone. The team also conducted focus groups to gain qualitative insights. The two data sets were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as thematic qualitative analysis to reveal the perspectives of study participants on the importance of indigenous language in maintaining cultural legacy. The findings underscored the significance of indigenous languages beyond communication, emphasizing their exposure to external threats such as cultural assimilation and the dominance of foreign languages. The research team calls on the Ministries in charge of culture in Ghana and Sierra Leone to prioritize initiatives aimed at recovering and safeguarding indigenous languages, as a critical step for cultural transmission and preservation. Keywords: Native Culture, Linguistic Traditions, Cultural Ecosystems, Language, Indigenous Languages, Cultural Synergy

Indigenous values and perspectives for strengthening food security and sovereignty: learning from a community-based case study of Misko-ziibiing (Bloodvein River First Nation), Manitoba, Canada

In recent years, changing environmental, developmental activity, government policies and laws, lifestyle changes and affordability dynamics have continued to threaten the self determination and food sovereignty of Indigenous peoples in the community. Their perspectives, teachings, and voices are rarely present in any scholarly work. Despite food security being a significant challenge among many First Nations communities on Turtle Island, there needs to be more empirical, community-based research that underscores the role of traditional food systems and associated values and teachings in Manitoban communities through an Indigenous lens. This research addresses that gap by building upon Indigenous perspectives and knowledges on the status and future directions of food security and sovereignty in Misko-ziibiing (Bloodvein River First Nation). Guided by Indigenous research protocol and using a qualitative research approach, ten in-depth interviews with Bloodvein River First Nation (BVR) and Winnipeg Elders were conducted. Data was also sourced through discussions with local council members, participant observation, and field visits during 2017. The fundamental values and traditional teachings associated with food sovereignty within the community are aligned with the spirit of sharing, including sharing ethics and protocols, social learning within the community, and intergenerational transmission. Enhanced intergenerational transmission of traditional teachings, education and language revitalization, and local leadership involvement can strengthen these social and cultural values to enhance Indigenous food security and sovereignty in Misko-ziibiing. This research identifies the knowledge and views of Elders, hunters, trappers and fishers, contributing to the current studies associated with traditional food systems and teachings. Strengthening social and cultural traditions and values is vital in working toward Indigenous food governance, sovereignty, and revitalization of their Indigenous food systems.

Reviving Waccamaw Siouan: Reconciling ethics, Indigenous epistemologies, and colonial data archives

In this paper we discuss our strategies for reviving Waccamaw Siouan, a dormant Eastern Siouan language. We first outline and categorize the challenges of reconciling ethical methodologies with colonial data sets and systems, dividing these issues into six general categories. Next, we suggest specific, action-based tenets, in five categories, for dormant language revival; we argue for creative methodological adaptations to centralize Indigenous epistemologies and ethics while dealing with multiple, incomplete sources of archival data and various logistical hurdles. Ultimately, we contribute to ongoing discussions of language revival methodologies in the Americas, and particularly in first point-of-colonial-contact sites.

Старомонгольская письменность в Байкальском регионе на современном этапе: курс на ревитализацию?

This paper aims to provide an analysis of the development of the Mongolian script in the sociocultural context of the Baikal region in modern times. The main purpose of this article is to characterize the key trends in society from the point of view of sociolinguistic processes. Materials and methods. The research is based on a thorough examination of official data from the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, government departments of the Irkutsk region and Transbaikal region, as well as publications in the media and field materials gathered through an expert survey of heads of educational centers and language activists. The authors have adopted a systematic approach and applied a range of general scientific and special methods, including comparative historical and statistical methods, to conduct this study. Results and conclusions. It has been revealed that the Mongolian script has significant role in performing various socio-cultural functions. Mongolian script has gained widespread popularity in the form of calligraphy in the Baikal region. Furthermore, the language is deeply embedded with ethno cultural symbolism, making it a valuable source for the development of the Buryat language and culture as a whole. There is a growing interest in analyzing the language situation in Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, particularly in terms of the implementation of state language policy in perspective. The status and functional role of Mongolian script in these regions are of utmost importance in understanding its impact on the overall language landscape.

Language revitalization as a postponed aspiration: anti-essentialist ethnolinguistic identity among Aymaras in Bolivia

Language revitalization as a postponed aspiration: anti-essentialist ethnolinguistic identity among Aymaras in Bolivia

Authorised voices: literacy practices of language revitalisation through education

ABSTRACT Current research on language revitalisation through education has highlighted the impact of the standard language ideology on minoritised language practices. This ideology is intertwined with emerging literacy practices in language revitalisation, leading to debates on what to teach minority language students, and how. The paper argues that language education is as much about the language standard, as it is about the sociolinguistic voices that are raised in the language revitalisation classroom. Some heteroglossic voices become authorised as a language that is worth writing in when educators derive their authority from two sources: anonymity and authenticity [Woolard, K. A. (2016). Singular and plural: Ideologies of linguistic authority in 21st century Catalonia. Oxford University Press]. The analysis shows how anonymous and authentic voices are authorised within a literacy-based language educational programme in North-East Romanian Moldavia; the programme has evolved in the context of the regional Hungarian – often called Csángó – language revitalisation. The authorisation of voices has profound implications for the specific purpose of language education and the content of language classes, its methodology and its desired long-term consequences. By bringing together Woolard's concept of linguistic authority and sociolinguistic voice, the analysis suggests that authorising voice is crucial in understanding emerging literacy practices of language revitalisation through education.

Linguistic Imperialism as a Tool in Cultural Hegemony: Language Decline and Revitalization of Indigenous Communities in Canada

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of linguistic imperialism and its relationship to cultural hegemony, with a specific focus on Indigenous communities in Canada. Linguistic imperialism is defined as the suppression and marginalization of other languages by a dominant language, often stemming from historical colonization, which results in the imposition of cultural hegemony on diverse cultural groups. To analyze this noteworthy phenomenon, Edward Said's theory of Orientalism is applied in the paper. Furthermore, the study not only emphasizes the negative impact of linguistic domination but also proposes various methods with the aim of reversing language shift and fostering cultural and linguistic vitality. By analyzing the case of the Inuit community in Canada and introducing methods such as language revitalization programs, this paper presents strategies to counter the influence of linguistic imperialism, aiming to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive environment so as to safeguard linguistic and cultural diversity.

Why language revitalization fails: Revivalist vs. traditional ontologies of language in Provence

Abstract This article asks why the Occitan language revitalization movement, which began in the 1850s, failed to convince the vast majority of Occitan speakers. Traditional explanations focus on social conflict, alienation, and diglossic ideologies. While essential elements, they may not provide a full account. Challenging the idea that patois is just a derogatory term pinned on what is in fact a language, this article proposes to take seriously the claim by traditional speakers that a patois is not a language. Drawing on fieldwork in Provence and historical data, I propose that the divergence is fundamentally ontological, revealing sharp differences that suggest that patois and language are indeed two separate things. The language movement's reduction of the patois/language issue to one of labels helps explain why traditional speakers and language advocates have been talking past each other for 150 years, raising practical questions for language movements worldwide. (Patois, occitan, ontologies of language, language revitalization, linguistic natures)*

Exploring the Inner Circle Attitudes of Endangered Languages: A Case Study of the Faifi Language

This study is the first to explore language attitudes of the endangered Faifi language in SA. Understanding these attitudes is crucial for future language revitalization efforts. Employing a conceptual framework from LA research, data were collected via an online Arabic questionnaire with a sample of 258 participants. This paper aims to explore the indigenous people’s language attitudes, frequency of language use, and the influence of social backgrounds. Data were analyzed using factor analysis and multiple regression. Three key findings emerged: Firstly, a two-dimensional model encompassing status and dynamism dimensions was identified, offering new insights into LAs. Notably, the trait “educated” was associated with dynamism rather than the typical association with the status dimension, which can be attributed to educational factors related to the Faifi language’s lack of formal instruction in schools. Secondly, the reported use of the Faifi language by its speakers indicated a positive trend. Lastly, age was found to be the only significant sociodemographic variable, with older participants exhibiting more positive attitudes compared to younger participants. In summary, this research contributes fresh perspectives on the dimensions of language attitudes, particularly by highlighting the deviation of the trait “educated” from its customary position within the status dimension. Additionally, the study emphasizes the salience of age as a factor. The paper recommends macro and micro language policies; macro language policy should consider integrating the language into the educational system, while micro language policy should originate from the indigenous community itself, initiating initiatives to further support language use among young speakers.

Revitalizing Bahnaric Language through Neural Machine Translation: Challenges, Strategies, and Promising Outcomes

The Bahnar, a minority ethnic group in Vietnam with ancient roots, hold a language of deep cultural and historical significance. The government is prioritizing the preservation and dissemination of Bahnar language through online availability and cross-generational communication. Recent AI advances, including Neural Machine Translation (NMT), have transformed translation with improved accuracy and fluency, fostering language revitalization through learning, communication, and documentation. In particular, NMT enhances accessibility for Bahnar language speakers, making information and content more available. However, translating Vietnamese to Bahnar language faces practical hurdles due to resource limitations, particularly in the case of Bahnar language as an extremely low-resource language. These challenges encompass data scarcity, vocabulary constraints, and a lack of fine-tuning data. To address these, we propose transfer learning from selected pre-trained models to optimize translation quality and computational efficiency, capitalizing on linguistic similarities between Vietnamese and Bahnar language. Concurrently, we apply tailored augmentation strategies to adapt machine translation for the Vietnamese-Bahnar language context. Our approach is validated through superior results on bilingual Vietnamese-Bahnar language datasets when compared to baseline models. By tackling translation challenges, we help revitalize Bahnar language, ensuring information flows freely and the language thrives.