Suchergebnisse

Linguistic diversity is generally perceived as declining, although the number of languages in the world, as counted by catalogues such as Ethnologue, is actually increasing year on year. This paper will consider what is meant by linguistic diversity, how it is measured and valued, why it is seen as under threat, why this matters, and to whom. The paper will trace how the concept of linguistic diversity, and discourses surrounding it, have developed over the last few decades: exploring, for example, parallels that have been drawn between language, cultural and biological diversity, and more recently health and well-being. The paper will also explore the different conceptions and reactions of linguists, policymakers, and linguistic communities: how linguistic resources are valued; what the impact is of their potential loss for academia, societies, and individuals; and how it is addressed by these various actors. The paper will conclude by considering broader implications of viewing linguistic diversity through a social lens, especially in relation to the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) and discourses and rhetorics about linguistic diversity.

The Channel Islands have been self-governing dependencies of the British Crown since 1204, but their geographical location, indigenous languages and older cultural traditions are much closer to Normandy (north-west France). However, acculturation to English language and customs has accelerated in the last 200 years, and is now pervasive. This paper examines the situation of the indigenous languages of the islands, which are now highly endangered: practically all native speakers are aged over 70. The island varieties of Norman have traditionally had low status, which contributed to their decline, but in recent years there have been attempts to raise their status and to raise awareness of their imminent disappearance; these attempts have borne fruit with a degree of support from the islands' governments. The paper first describes some of the linguistic features of Channel Island Norman, and then discusses efforts to preserve this aspect of island culture. The outcomes of the various revitalisation measures are also considered.

"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, well-being, 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"--

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.

Abstract
The number of Lebanese immigrants in the UK has dramatically increased in recent years, motivated by socio-political and economic pressures and in pursuit of academic excellence. This is one of the first studies to explore the attitudes of Lebanese parents and British-Lebanese children towards Arabic (Lebanese Arabic [LA] and Modern Standard Arabic [MSA]) in the UK. The data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 24 parents and 15 children, participant observation and field notes. Results indicate that Lebanese parents and children believe that HL maintenance can foster a sense of Lebaneseness, and help children access the highly valued socio-cultural significance of LA. MSA is regarded in high esteem, but Muslim children appreciate MSA more for its "pride" value than for instrumental "profit" purposes. This illustrates that the notions of "pride" and "profit" are not clear-cut in a linguistic market where multilingualism is undervalued and European foreign languages outweigh Arabic varieties, even MSA despite its global significance. For HL speakers, the "pride" value of the HL in family, culture and religion may outweigh both profit incentives and hegemonic language ideologies.