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Ghil’ad Zuckermann and Rob Amery

Language is an integral part of society. Wherever we come from, the words we use and the way in which we use them are fundamental to our cultural identity. In today’s increasingly globalised world, however, ‘linguicide’ – the loss of a language – is becoming all too common. But there is hope. The language revival movement has emerged as an important and effective response, and this course will introduce you to its key principles and techniques.

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Language is an integral part of society. Wherever we come from, the words we use and the way in which we use them are fundamental to our cultural identity. In today’s increasingly globalised world, however, ‘linguicide’ – the loss of a language – is becoming all too common. But there is hope. The language revival movement has emerged as an important and effective response, and this course will introduce you to its key principles and techniques.

After discussing powerful answers to the question of why languages should be revived, we’ll investigate how. Far more than just a simple process of recovering literacy and lost letters, language revival involves a deep and complex engagement with history, human rights, identity and wellbeing. You will also learn what’s being done around the world right now, and how effective these techniques have been.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Explore connections between language and identity.
  • Understand the impact of language loss on people around the world.
  • Examine what is being done to revive languages today.
  • In this course, you will

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops language revival techniques and principles, which are useful for preserving cultural identity
Taught by Ghil’ad Zuckermann and Rob Amery, who are recognized for their work in language revitalization
Explores the connections between language and identity, which is a highly relevant topic for cultural preservation
Examines the impact of language loss, which is a pressing issue for many communities
Provides examples of language revival efforts, which is informative for those interested in practical applications
Requires students to come in with an understanding of linguistics, which may be a barrier for some

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Reviews summary

Engaging course on language revival

Learners say this course on language revitalization is engaging and motivating. Students also appreciate the enthusiasm of the instructors.
Instructors are passionate about language revival.
"The enthusiasm of the instructors was simply contagious."
Course inspires students to pursue language revival
"Loved the course and it motivated me to to more in the field of language revival."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Language Revival: Securing the Future of Endangered Languages with these activities:
Read 'Endangered Languages: An Introduction'
Provide context for the course by building a foundation in the study of endangered languages.
Browse courses on Endangered Languages
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
  • Summarize the key concepts discussed in the first chapter.
Form a study group to discuss course materials
Enhance your understanding through discussion and collaboration with peers.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Identify classmates who share your interest in language revival.
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss course readings and assignments.
Design a poster on the importance of language preservation
Help you understand the cultural and societal significance of language preservation.
Browse courses on Language Preservation
Show steps
  • Research the benefits and challenges of language preservation.
  • Identify key messages and visuals to convey your message.
  • Create a visually appealing poster using design software or online tools.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete language revival case study exercises
Provide hands-on experience in analyzing and applying language revival techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the provided case study materials.
  • Identify the challenges and strategies employed in the case study.
  • Develop your own recommendations for language revival based on the case study.
Attend a workshop on language documentation
Develop practical skills in documenting endangered languages.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a language documentation workshop.
  • Participate actively in the workshop and apply the techniques learned.
Attend a language revival conference or workshop
Connect you with experts and practitioners in the field of language revival.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant conferences or workshops.
  • Register and attend the event.
Contribute to an online language revitalization project
Provide practical experience in applying your knowledge to real-world language revival efforts.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source language revitalization projects.
  • Choose a project that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
Mentor a student interested in language endangerment
Consolidate your knowledge by sharing it with others and fostering understanding.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify students who are interested in language endangerment.
  • Offer your guidance and support as they explore this field.

Career center

Learners who complete Language Revival: Securing the Future of Endangered Languages will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Interpreters understand the unique challenges faced by speakers of endangered languages. The course can help Interpreters build a foundation for working with these speakers to ensure effective communication.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Speech-Language Pathologists understand the unique challenges faced by individuals from marginalized language communities. The course can help Speech-Language Pathologists build a foundation for working with these individuals to improve their communication skills.
Translator
Translators convert written text from one language to another. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Translators understand the unique challenges faced by speakers of endangered languages. The course can help Translators build a foundation for working with these speakers to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate translations.
Linguist
Linguists study the structure and development of language. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Linguists develop a deeper understanding of the processes involved in language change and revitalization. The course can help Linguists build a foundation for working with communities to document and revitalize their languages.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the cultural practices and beliefs of different societies. The course's exploration of language and identity can help Cultural Anthropologists understand the diverse ways in which language shapes cultural practices and beliefs. The course can help Cultural Anthropologists build a foundation for conducting research on the role of language in cultural transmission.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the development and implementation of programs that address social and environmental issues. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Nonprofit Program Managers understand the unique challenges faced by marginalized language communities. The course can help Nonprofit Program Managers build a foundation for developing and implementing programs that support language revitalization efforts.
Historian
Historians research and interpret the past, using written documents, artifacts, and other sources. The course's exploration of language and identity can help Historians understand the diverse cultural contexts of historical events. The course can help Historians build a foundation for conducting research on the role of language in shaping historical narratives.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. The course's exploration of language and identity can help Anthropologists understand the diverse cultural practices and beliefs of different societies. The course can help Anthropologists build a foundation for conducting research on the role of language in human development and cultural evolution.
Sociologist
Sociologists study the behavior and organization of human societies. The course's exploration of language and identity can help Sociologists understand the role of language in shaping social interactions and institutions. The course can help Sociologists build a foundation for conducting research on the relationship between language and social change.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Librarians understand the importance of preserving endangered languages and develop strategies for their revitalization. The course can help Librarians build a foundation for working with communities to document and revitalize their languages.
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums, ensuring their preservation and display. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Museum Curators understand the importance of preserving endangered languages and develop strategies for their revitalization. The course can help Museum Curators build a foundation for working with communities to document and revitalize their languages.
Archivist
Archivists preserve and catalog valuable historical documents and artifacts. The course's focus on language revival and techniques can help Archivists understand the importance of preserving endangered languages and develop strategies for their preservation. The course can help Archivists build a foundation for working with communities to document and revitalize their languages.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and issues. The course's exploration of language and identity can help Journalists understand the diverse perspectives and experiences of people from different cultures. The course can help Journalists build a foundation for reporting on issues related to language rights and cultural diversity.
Educator
Educators teach students in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. The course's exploration of language and identity can help Educators understand the diverse learning styles and needs of students from different cultural backgrounds. The course can help Educators build a foundation for creating inclusive learning environments that support all students.
Teacher
Teachers work with students in schools to improve their skills in reading, language, math, and science. Through its exploration of language and identity, the course may be useful for Teachers who wish to better understand their students' diverse cultural backgrounds. The course may help Teachers build a foundation for understanding the unique challenges faced by students from marginalized language communities.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Language Revival: Securing the Future of Endangered Languages.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the language revival movement, its history, and its key principles and techniques. It is written by one of the leading experts in the field, and it is essential reading for anyone interested in language revitalization.
Explores the causes of language loss and the impact it has on human knowledge and culture. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the importance of language diversity and the need to protect endangered languages.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of endangered languages. It covers a wide range of topics, including language documentation, language revitalization, and language policy.
Provides a practical guide to language revitalization. It covers a wide range of topics, including language planning, language teaching, and community involvement.
Provides a detailed account of the process of language death. It examines the factors that contribute to language loss and the consequences it has for the people who speak it.
Examines the complex relationship between language and identity. It discusses how language shapes our sense of self and how it is used to express our cultural identity.
Examines the relationship between language and social justice. It discusses how language can be used to promote or undermine social justice and how language policies can impact marginalized communities.
This reader explores the political dimensions of language. It covers a wide range of topics, including language policy, language rights, and language ideology.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language contact. It covers a wide range of topics, including language borrowing, language change, and language policy.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the field of linguistics. It covers a wide range of topics, including language structure, language use, and language history.

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