Why Language Documentation Matters (SpringerBriefs in Linguistics)

Description

This book offers the latest insights on language documentation, a reborn, refashioned, and reenergized subfield of linguistics motivated by the urgent task of creating a record of the world’s fast disappearing languages. Language documentation provides data to challenge and improve existing linguistic theory. In addition, because it requires input from various fields to be comprehensive, language documentation serves to build bridges between linguistics and other disciplines. Language documentation also provides resources for communities interested in language and culture preservation, language maintenance, and language revitalization. This book informs, evokes interest, and encourages involvement at all levels.  Contents About the Author 1 Introduction Questions for Discussion References 2 Languages Heal 2.1 Access and Preservation of Oral Literature 2.2 Access and Preservation of Legacy Materials 2.3 Documentation to Support Language Learning 2.4 Documentation to Support Literacy 2.5 Documentation of Traditional Knowledge 2.5.1 Documenting Ethnobotany 2.5.2 Documenting Agricultural Practices 2.5.3 Documenting Ethnozoology 2.6 Documentation of Music and Verbal Art 2.7 Documentation for Healthcare 2.8 Documentation for Wellness 2.9 Why Language Documentation Matters Questions for Discussion References 3 Languages Inform 3.1 Language and Cognition 3.2 Language History 3.3 Verbal Art 3.4 Conclusion Questions for Discussion References 4 Reasons for Endangerment 4.1 Natural Disasters 4.2 Genocide, Disease, Resettlement 4.3 Political Instability 4.4 World Languages, Lingua Francas 4.5 Minority Status, Language Policy 4.6 Conclusion Questions for Discussion References 5 Supporting Linguistic Vitality 5.1 Language Surveys 5.2 Language Catalogs and Databases 5.2.1 Ethnologue 5.2.2 Glottolog 5.2.3 ELCat 5.2.4 Conclusion 5.3 Digital Language Archives 5.4 Funding Research and Training 5.5 Language Revitalization 5.5.1 Revitalization Programs 5.5.2 New Media and Technologies for Revitalization 5.5.3 Revitalization Through Activism 5.6 Conclusion Questions for Discussion References 6 Methods in Language Documentation and Description 6.1 What to Document 6.2 How to Add Value to Documentation 6.2.1 Recording 6.2.2 Transcription 6.2.3 Translation 6.3 Products of Language Documentation and Description 6.3.1 Dictionaries and Wordlists in Paper, Online, and Phone App Formats 6.3.2 Interlinear Gloss Texts in Paper and Online Formats 6.3.3 Curated Songs, Performances, and Traditional Celebrations 6.3.4 Legacy Materials 6.3.5 Photographs 6.4 Conclusion Questions for Discussion References 7 Linguistic Fieldwork Contributing to Documentation 7.1 Foundational Fieldwork in North America 7.2 Fieldwork by Christian Missionaries 7.3 Personal Motivation for Doing Fieldwork 7.4 Conclusion Questions for Discussion References 8 Impact of Language Documentation Questions for Discussion References