Revitalizing Endangered Languages: A Practical Guide

Of the approximately 7,000 languages in the world, at least half may no longer be spoken by the end of the twenty-first century. Languages are endangered by a number of factors, including globalization, education policies, and the political, economic and cultural marginalization of minority groups. This guidebook provides ideas and strategies, as well as some background, to help with the effective revitalization of endangered languages. It covers a broad scope of themes including effective planning, benefits, wellbeing, economic aspects, attitudes and ideologies. The chapter authors have hands-on experience of language revitalization in many countries around the world, and each chapter includes a wealth of examples, such as case studies from specific languages and language areas. Clearly and accessibly written, it is suitable for non-specialists as well as academic researchers and students interested in language revitalization. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Justyna Olko is engaged in revitalizing the Nahuatl language and works with activists supporting other endangered languages. Her current research focuses on the relationship between heritage language use, health and wellbeing. Author of Insignia of Rank in the Nahua World (2014) and co-editor of Integral strategies for Language Revitalization (2016).

Julia Sallabank's language revitalization work started with her heritage language, Guernesiais, in 2000, and spread worldwide. She teaches documentation and revitalization at SOAS. Recent publications include Attitudes to Endangered Languages (2013) and with Peter Austin, Endangered Languages: Beliefs and Ideologies (2014) and the Cambridge Handbook of Endangered Languages (2011).