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The Role of Teaching in Language Revival and Revitalization Movements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2018

Sheena Shah  and
Matthias Brenzinger
Sheena Shah
Affiliation:
SOAS University of Londonss170@soas.ac.uk
Matthias Brenzinger
Affiliation:
Unit for Language Facilitation and Empowerment, University of the Free Statemabrenzinger@gmail.com
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Abstract

Teaching is the main or even only way to pass on ancestral languages when intergenerational language transmission no longer takes place. The main reason for the interruption of natural language transmission is an increasing weakening of community bonds due to intermarriage, migration, and mobility. The formal or informal teaching of ancestral languages is therefore at the core of language revival and language revitalization movements. The article reviews favorable conditions and supportive factors for the teaching of ancestral languages from different parts of the world, and highlights the important role of dedicated community members in these endeavors.

Information

Type
Brief Report
Information
Annual Review of Applied Linguistics , Volume 38 , September 2018 , pp. 201 - 208
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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