Language Vitality Research Articles

Do New Words Propagate Like Memes? An Internet Usage-Based Two-Stage Model of the Life Cycle of Neologisms

Neologisms reflect new ideas or new concepts in our life and play an important role in cultural transmission and the vitality of human language. The explosion of neologisms, especially in the past two decades, can also be ascribed to the popularity and accessibility of digital content and social media. In this paper, we focus on the issue of how neologisms arise by looking at the trajectory of developments in terms of their usage over time, i.e., their life cycle. By studying neologisms in vivo, instead of as fait accompli, we hope to better understand the nature of neologisms and to enable better prediction and earlier inclusion of neologisms. To achieve this goal, we examine the memetic model for the life cycle of neologisms and compare it with a recently studied epidemic model. We present a longitudinal modeling of the development of neologisms based on internet usage data aggregated from Google Trends, covering the 90 most influential Chinese neologisms from 2008–2016. Our study verifies that the memetic model can describe and predict the life cycle of the neologisms robustly for the early stages (i.e., the ascending stages) of its cycle, but not for its full life cycle, and crucially cannot predict the inflection point. We conclude that two models are needed for word propagation: a memetic model for the initial stages and an epidemic model for the latter stage, particularly the inflection point. This two-stage/two-model approach allows for neologisms to be more easily identified as potentially new words, as it is easier to write a program to automatically filter for emerging terms using a memetic model.

Why vernacular language planning matters for preserving Acehnese languages?

Language planning policy is essential for language preservation, yet research rarely addresses vernacular or local languages specifically. This study examines how vernacular language planning policies can contribute to the preservation and revitalization of local languages, focusing on the case of Aceh, a province in Indonesia with a rich variety of local languages requiring preservation efforts. The study’s primary goal is to identify an effective framework for vernacular language planning in Aceh that can serve as a practical reference for language policymakers, planners, and researchers in Indonesia and beyond. Utilizing a systematic review method, this research analyzes literature on language vitality, endangerment, revitalization, and planning policy. Key findings reveal a newly developed vernacular language planning framework tailored to the current vitality status of Acehnese languages, offering a suitable model for their preservation and revitalization. This framework has the potential to serve as a foundational tool for efforts to sustain and revive Acehnese and other vernacular languages more broadly.

Kimbu speakers’ attitudes toward language endangerment

This article is based on a study that assesses the attitudes towards language endangerment of Kimbu speakers, a minority language spoken in the Chunya and Sikonge Districts in Tanzania. The study used a descriptive approach to assess whether Kimbu speakers have developed negative attitudes towards their language, have ambivalent language loyalty and are indifferent about language transfer to children. Data for this study were collected through interviews with 50 Kimbu speakers. The study revealed that most of the Kimbu parents and younger generation are ambivalent and indifferent about their language, and they have developed negative attitudes towards it, claiming that it has no socio-economic and educational significance. Because of such a situation, they have ceased using it in most genuine and natural domains like home and other social functions in favour of other co-existing languages. The study concludes that the Kimbu language is relatively unsafe from endangerment. The recommendation is made that Kimbu speakers should be told of the importance of ethnic community languages and that they make a symbolic identity, therefore teaching their children the language and encouraging the use of it everywhere in the community will pave the way to positive attitudes, and ensure language vitality.

Unveiling dynamics of language visibility and vitality in café menus near Labrang Monastery.

This study explores the dynamics of Linguistic Landscapes (LL) in the commercial tourist district near Labrang Monastery by analyzing the use of Tibetan, Mandarin, and English on café menus. Traditionally, LL research has focused on language visibility as an indicator of vitality, overlooking contextual complexities. We challenge this approach by considering geocultural contexts, instigators' language proficiency, and intended audience. This study employed a triangulation approach, combining multiple methods of data collection and analysis. First, we conducted a preliminary observation of shop names in the region. Second, with the consent of shop owners, we comprehensively documented visual and textual artifacts both inside and outside the cafés, including signboards, menus, wall billboards, and displayed books. Third, we conducted extensive semi-structured interviews with shop owners and customers. These interviews, transcribed for analysis, provided insights into language usage preferences and decision-making processes. By advocating for a holistic LL research approach, integrating qualitative insights with quantitative data, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of LL dynamics. Our findings show that geocultural contexts, instigators' language proficiency, and intended audience all play a role in shaping language representation and vitality. The absence of a language on signage does not necessarily signify diminished vitality but can reflect strategic decisions influenced by religious, individual and commercial factors. Beyond mere visibility, languages on café menus serve as symbolic markers of ethnic identity and reflect the functions they assume within the speech community, offering insights into language vitality across different usage contexts. This research enriches scholarly discourse on LL, particularly within the Chinese context, by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of language presence and its vitality.

Japanese] toilets are not garbage cans

Abstract Traditional linguistic landscape research focuses on the diversity, vitality, and structure of languages in public spaces. However, this study takes a critical lens and examines how certain multilingual signage reflects the normalised, harmful ideologies which target minorities in Japan. The study reveals examples of punitive multilingualism, highlighting the information disparities between languages in public signage found in Aichi, Hokkaido, and on the Internet. The paper discusses instances of discriminatory public signage, including online advertisements, based on the premise that foreigners are unruly, and official government signage that appears to target foreigners. The study also delves into problematic instructions posted in public restrooms, showing how the presentation of language(s) can reinforce stereotypes and implicit bias. Through a critical analysis of multilingual signage, this study reveals the challenges and consequences of punitive multilingualism in the context of Japanese sociolinguistics.

ICT problems of the Azerbaijani language, the Azerbaijani language problems of ICT

The article is dedicated to the intersection of language and technology, a crucial topic in our contemporary world. The rapid advancements in Information Communication Technologies present both new opportunities and challenges for national languages. As information technologies permeate various aspects of our lives, encompassing communication, the vitality and progression of language occur within this technological landscape. To delve into these dynamics, the article examines the case of the Azerbaijani language. The research is bifurcated into two key areas. The first addresses obstacles hindering the language from fully leveraging Information Communication Technologies capabilities, while the second explores limitations impeding Information Communication Technologies from effectively utilizing the language’s potential. The article provides a thorough analysis of the issues identified in both aspects and proposes solutions to overcome these existing challenges.

Language Vitality and Impetus behind Code-Switching in English Language in Pakistan: A Study at EFL Teachers and Learners in District Rahim Yar Khan

Language Vitality and Impetus behind Code-Switching in English Language in Pakistan: A Study at EFL Teachers and Learners in District Rahim Yar Khan

The Minority Languages of Tripura with Special Reference to Kokborok Language: A Study on the Language Demography of Tripura, India

Linguistically, Tripura is a case of one dominant language and several minority languages. This study aims to identify the minority languages endemic to Tripura, with the objective of preserving and protecting the identified languages. The present study is based on the secondary data collected from the Census of India, 2011 and Ethnologue, 2024. The descriptive research method has been used to analyse the data. The study reveals that eight minority languages are enlisted by the Directorate of Kokborok and Other Minority Languages in Tripura. The eight languages are Kokborok, Manipuri, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Kuki-Mizo, Garo, Halam, Chakma and Mogh. Out of the eight minority languages enlisted by the said directorate of Tripura, Kokborok is the only language endemic to Tripura, and other minority languages have their language core areas outside the state. The core area of Kokborok is situated in Tripura, and the periphery areas are spread in the adjacent Indian states of Mizoram and Assam and Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh. However, the Kokborok language is a vulnerable minority language in its core area. The language speakers account for only 25.9 per cent of the total speakers in Tripura. Even after gaining official status on January 19, 1979, the Kokborok language is not widely used in educational institutions, official circulars, press, television, courts, and financial or social institutions, weakening language vitality. Therefore, considering the endemic character of the Kokborok language, meaning that the Kokborok language holds unique traits and adaptations to environmental conditions in the region, its minority status and low language vitality, the Kokborok language needs to be preserved and protected.

Ukrainian–Russian bilingualism in the war-affected migrant and refugee communities in Austria and Germany: a survey-based study on language attitudes

IntroductionThis paper provides an initial exploration of Ukrainian–Russian bilingualism in the context of the war-affected migration from Ukraine to Austria and Germany. While extensive research exists on various aspects of Ukrainian– Russian bilingualism in relation to Ukraine itself, thus far no studies have been conducted on this bilingualism in the diasporic context, i.e., as a language of the first and subsequential generations with a migrant background in Austria and Germany.MethodsTo address this research gap, our paper examines the language attitudes of two respondent groups with a Ukrainian background in the two countries: migrants and refugees who left Ukraine after 2014 and those who left after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. In the framework of a sociolinguistic survey, we describe their current attitudes regarding the use of Ukrainian and Russian, among others, in relation to the actual and intended use of the language(s) in the multilingual context of migration. The survey eliciting information on demographic information, language proficiency, language attitudes and language use was conducted on 406 Ukrainians in two host countries (Austria: n = 103; Germany: n = 306). First, we compared self-rated proficiency in Ukrainian and Russian as well as attitudes and use of these languages. Second, we applied a network modelling analysis to determine the nature of relationships between these variables.Results and discussionThe results indicated that proficiency in Ukrainian and in Russian were the strongest nodes in the model affecting language use and language attitudes toward the respective languages. Our data analysis focused on the pragmatic and symbolic value of Russian and Ukrainian playing a crucial role in the language vitality in multilingual settings. The paper discusses the imbalanced correlation of the symbolic and pragmatic value of Ukrainian and Russian in the diasporic Ukrainian communities. While Ukrainian has gained a higher symbolic status, Russian maintains a better pragmatic one, despite its negative symbolic status. However, we anticipate that the increasing symbolic value of Ukrainian and the diminishing value of Russian will lead to an increase in the use of Ukrainian also in Russian-dominant bilingual groups of Ukrainian migrants and refugees, even as an insider-code in hermetic minority groups.

Language Vitality Indicator Towards The Use Of Ternate Language On Ternate Language Enclave In Sahu District, West Halmahera Regency

Language vitality is a tool used to assess how well speakers of a language in expressing their language. One of the languages of North Maluku is Ternate, which is spoken not only on Ternate Island but also in the West Halmahera area. The Sahu district's coastal areas are home to the majority of Ternate language speakers. The purpose of this study is to measure factors that affect the use of Ternate language and language vitality of Ternate language enclave in Sahu district, West Halmahera Regency. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of observation and structured interviews with instruments in the form of questionnaires. A summary of the state of Ternate language in the Sahu district is then obtained by applying the language vitality theory to the data analysis. The results indicate that adults (≥30 years) in Sahu district’s villages of Lako, Jarakore, Ropu, and Susupu are still actively using ternate. These 4 villages are located in the coastal area. As a conclusion, given that BT is spoken by less than 100,000 people, it can be said that it is primarily concentrated in coastal areas that are under threat in Sahu district. But since people under 40 continue to speak it, in which on the other hand, reasonably stable.

Interferensi bahasa Indonesia terhadap bahasa Sunda dalam karangan berbahasa Sunda siswa SMP

The number of Sundanese language speakers is 34 million, according to the 2020 census by BPS. However, many young urban Sundanese do not speak Sundanese. Salminen and UNESCO say the language situation is considered vulnerable and endangered. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbudristek) states that the vitality of the Sundanese language is safe. This research aims to describe the interference of the Indonesian language on Sundanese language writing in compositions of the young Sundanese generation. Interference is one of the characteristics of language users' poor understanding of the language they use. The high level of Indonesian language interference in Sundanese student compositions shows that students have a poor understanding of Sundanese. The study uses a qualitative descriptive method. Analysis was conducted using Sundanese letters, words, and sentences based on the theory and Sundanese language dictionary. The study results show that Indonesian language interference in Sundanese student compositions occurs in phonology, morphology, and syntax with low categories. It indicates that the Sundanese language skills of the young generation in Bandung are good. Therefore, the vitality of the Sundanese language is still considered safe according to the Ministry's decision.

Saving the Unsavable or Self-Translating to Exist? An Investigation into Self-Translation in Sicilian Context

Abstract This article investigates whether self-translation can be a tool of cultural legitimization and contribute to the vitality of minority languages broadly understood, using the example of 21st-century Sicilian poetry. Building on research in biocultural diversity, language maintenance and revitalization, and (self-)translation, the article briefly outlines the issue of language maintenance and the ambivalent role of self-translation in minority-language settings. It then considers the status of Sicilian and its vitality, and analyzes examples of self-translation from Sicilian into Italian in mainstream publishing and social media. The analysis underscores the dynamics of literary production and dissemination, as well as the associated publication practices. The Sicilian context shows that self-translation may be a tool for linguistic sustainability through publication formats that give prominence to minority languages. Bilingual editions and social media, in particular, may offer new opportunities for language maintenance.

Exploring the presence of Cymraeg on TikTok

Many of the world’s languages are endangered or vulnerable. For some of these languages, a presence in technological domains can illustrate vitality and demonstrate relevance to the lives of younger speakers. A presence on social media is often seen as particularly significant for younger speakers due to their high levels of social media use. This article explores the presence of Cymraeg (the Welsh language) on TikTok. Through the analysis of a corpus of 200 videos, the article reveals a complex and richly bilingual content space with considerable intermingling of Cymraeg and English. Commenting on videos and engaging in a text-based conversation with the content creator and other audience members is shown to be a significant activity. The corpus demonstrates that Cymraeg is being used, taught, discussed and promoted on TikTok. This article contributes to an ongoing assessment of the digital vitality of Cymraeg and extends our understanding of the role that social media can play in supporting the sustainability and vitality of minority languages.

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.

Language change and multilingualism in an ethnic city in China: a diachronic linguistic landscape perspective

ABSTRACT This study adopts an apparent-time diachronic linguistic landscape (LL) approach to investigate the vitality of an ethnic minority language in China, namely the Nuosu Yi (诺苏彝). Diachronic LL research is concerned with changes in language use on signage over time. It provides insights into phenomena such as language shift, which is challenging to be unveiled through synchronic research. This study collected a total of 1233 signboards, which were made from 2002 to 2021, and thirty follow-up interviews with store owners. By analysing the data statistically and qualitatively, this study demonstrates the changes in language use on private signs of Xichang (the capital city of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture). A significant finding was a trend for multilingualism, in which the status of Chinese has changed from a monolingual to multilingual dominance, and English has benefited the most from the trend. The use of Nuosu Yi has been high over the two decades, but some issues have arisen with its use on some of the recent-made signs. This study provides a new approach to apparent-time LL research and demonstrates its importance in understanding the dynamic nature of the vitality of ethnic minority languages.

Assessing the Vitality of a Local Chinese Community Language: Cantonese in Ipoh, Malaysia

Malaysia is a multilingual and multiethnic country with a substantial population of ethnic Chinese, who use standardized languages such as Malay, English, and Mandarin, as well as various Chinese dialects in their daily lives within and beyond Chinese communities. Cantonese is a community language that significantly impacts the lives of local Chinese in the city of Ipoh, Malaysia. This study aims to examine the vitality of Cantonese in Ipoh using the language vitality and endangerment (LVE) tool developed by UNESCO. Nine LVE-proposed factors reflecting the degree of endangerment were investigated. Using a survey method, 377 participants from various groups were randomly selected from the Chinese community in Ipoh, Malaysia during January 6 to February 5, 2022. The result shows that Cantonese in Ipoh is rated as “Unsafe,” indicating that measures should be taken to prevent its further decline. The result suggests that further research is needed to gain a clearer understanding of the factors affecting language shift and maintenance, as well as the potential and challenges of linguistic and cultural diversity in the contemporary world.

MATHEMATICS MODEL IN VITALITY ANALYSIS OF THE LIMOLA LANGUAGE

One of the regional languages in Tana Luwu, especially in North Luwu Regency, is the Limola language. Limola language is a regional language used in communication by the people of Sassa Village. This research utilizes the Pinasco and Romanelli (PR) model to analyze the vitality of the Limola language. The language's sustainability is assessed through a questionnaire with vitality indicators based on UNESCO. Meanwhile, birth and death rates are derived from statistical data from North Luwu. This research found that the model used can explain the possibility of using the Limola language by taking into the carrying capacity and average birth and death rates of users of the Limola language. There are three conditions found. The third condition, despite the birth and death rates of Limola language users being higher than those of people using other languages, the usage of the Limola language still decreases. This is because the language used to communicate as a child as an indicator of the carrying capacity of the Limola language, is very small. In addition, five out of the nine vitality indicators formulated by UNESCO are endangered, posing a threat to the survival of the Limola language

The Dynamics of Language Endangerment

Abstract Most languages spoken by the “small-numbered indigenous peoples of the North” are currently highly endangered or extinct, yet there are big differences in vitality between languages and even dialects. I here discuss the factors that have shaped the current levels of endangerment of three Northern Tungusic lects: the Lamunkhin dialect of Even, the Bystraia dialect of Even, and Negidal. All three communities have lived through the sociopolitical changes associated with the Soviet era, and yet Negidal is nearly extinct, Bystraia Even is spoken only by adults, and Lamunkhin Even is still being passed on to children. The factors favoring language vitality that emerge from this study are the maintenance of cohesive and compact speech communities without forced resettlements and a relative minority of newcomers.

Sociolinguistic Analysis of TED Talk “We Should All Be Feminists”: A Feministic Perspective

This research paper examines the complex interplay between language, feminism and social expectations through the sociolinguistic analysis of “TED talk ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,” taken as a sample. The dialogues used in the talk were transcribed. The study explores the use of the Nigerian English dialect in Adichie’s talk, highlighting its cultural authenticity and the effect of language on propagating feminist ideals. Through descriptive and qualitative methodology, the study challenges conventional gender norms expressed in the speech, shedding light on social variables such as language use, culture, power dynamics and gender inequality. Besides this, the paper focuses on reshaping social expectations and abandoning gender discrimination. It contributes significant insights into gender studies and linguistics, underscoring the vitality of language in social progress and in shaping feminist discourse. Hence, comprehending the power of language to shape perspectives enables one to foster inclusivity and challenge biases. Therefore, this study is crucial for advocating social change and empowering individuals to reshape and challenge entrenched gender norms. Overall, this research highlights universal issues of social justice and gender stereotypes. It ensures solidarity in the struggle for gender equality globally by examining the intersection of feminism, language and culture.

VITALITY OF THE LAUJE LANGUAGE ENCLAVE IN THE FAMILY DOMAIN IN TOLITOLI REGENCY

This research aims to describe the vitality of the Lauje language as an enclave of ethnic minority languages in Tolitoli Regency, Central Sulawesi. The method used is a sociolinguistic approach with questionnaires, interviews, observation, and recording techniques. Next, it was analyzed descriptively based on frequency and percentage calculations and processed using the SPSS program. The results of the analysis show that the vitality of the Lauje language based on age, those aged 40–50 years and those aged over 60 years is still very strong, namely the Lauje language, and those aged under 20 years and those aged 20–39 years are in a position that is vulnerable to decline. Furthermore, the vitality of the Lauje language is based on education; respondents with no school education and stable basic education maintain their Lauje language but have the potential to experience decline. The vitality of the Lauje language in the family domain based on work as farmers is still stable in maintaining its language, and those who work as housewives are still very strong in maintaining their language. The Lauje language is in a safe position. Overall, the vitality of using the Lauje language in the family domain is 0.69, which means that the vitality of the Lauje language in the family domain is in a stable, steady position but has the potential to experience decline.