[lingtalks] Suzanne Romaine- March 10- Language Ideology Workshop

[asnyderf@ucsd.edu]

University of California, San Diego

Workshop on Language Ideology and Change in Multilingual Communities*
(Anthropology and Ethnic Studies)
sponsored by IICAS

presents a colloquium by

Suzanne Romaine
Professor of English Language,
Merton College, Oxford

“Reversing language shift and the future of linguistic diversity:  where
ideology and theory meet”


Friday, March 10, 2006 2:30 p.m.
SSB 107 (Dean’s Conference Room)


A reception will follow at 4:00 in the Spiro Library of the Anthropology
Department, SSB 269.  Open and free to the public.


Abstract:
       Over the last few decades or so a growing variety of books,
scholarly articles and media reports have predicted an alarming
decline in the number of languages. The prospect of the loss of
linguistic diversity on such a large scale has prompted scholars
such as Fishman and others to propose programs of intervention to
'reverse language shift' (RLS). Most RLS theories and efforts are
byproducts of European indigenous minority problems, and the
ideological bias of Fishman's model of RLS (reversing language
shift) privileges intergenerational transmission in the context of stable
diglossia. My talk examines the utility of this framework as an
appropriate model for the stabilization of endangered languages or for
their eventual revitalization as fully functioning native
languages. I will argue for the need to question the assumptions
and theoretical perspectives underlying terms such as 'reversing
language shift' and 'language revitalization' and to
reconceptualize what it means for a language to be maintained and
survive without intergenerational mother tongue transmission. As an
increasing number of communities around the world face the
impending loss of their languages, it is imperative to clarify
these issues not just for theory's sake, but in the interest of
providing sound advice.



Other Upcoming Events in this Series:

Friday, April 21, 2006
Melissa Moyer

*The Workshop on Language Ideology and Change in Multilingual Communities
brings together anthropologists, ethnic studies specialists, and linguists
to discuss change in linguistic structures and patterns of use by members
of minority language communities in a variety of world settings.