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SEMINAR: Linguistics Seminar Series 2020- Zoom Edition

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Today's date is Friday, March 29, 2024
Linguistics Seminar Series 2020- Zoom Edition : Understanding How Indigenous Language Programs Work Other events...
As Indigenous language loss accelerates, language revitalisation has taken shape in different forms across the globe, engaging people in the task of supporting endangered languages with various language programs. Programs address diverse needs of local speech communities through methods such as immersion, bilingual education, adult language learning, and language nests. While many types of revitalisation programs exist, their success is varied, often undocumented, and hard to measure. This research seeks to establish theories on which methods of revitalisation are effective and how contextual factors of program implementation affect the outcomes. I present initial findings as well as plans for research going forward. I glean theories through a combination of interviews with stakeholders, literature review, and personal experience. I will also seek to establish a co-designed evaluation methodology based on realist evaluation, a theory-driven approach that focuses on not only what is happening in a language program, but more important why, how, for whom, and in which circumstances. Furthermore, in many speech communities, 'grassroots' language revitalisation is taking place (cf Warlpiri Light and Gurindji Kriol). These newer varieties are argued to have the same connection to identity as traditional languages. I will explore acceptance of emerging codes, such as Kriol, as well as how support for these varieties might help increase vitality in traditional languages. Understanding how language programs work, for whom and in which circumstances will enable development of language programs that are sensitive to local contexts and in doing so, are more effective.

Brandon is a PhD Student at Charles Darwin University exploring how language revitalisation works and how to increase language vitality of Indigenous languages. Brandon taught English as a second language for ten years in various places around the world. In 2014, he graduated with a Master of Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, focusing on endangered language vitality. In 2017, he moved to Kununurra, Western Australia to work at Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre. At Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring, Brandon facilitated the Miriwoong Language Nest Program, a program that teaches the Miriwoong language to school children at early childhood education centres and primary schools in Kununurra. Working with the Miriwoong community inspired him pursue his PhD in Indigenous language revitalisation.

Zoom Details: Link: https://uwa.zoom.us/j/95596804710?pwd=YlpqTnBIOUtuOWtsQ1krZVpMaWMwUT09 Password: 239502
Speaker(s) Brandon Wiltshire
Location Zoom Session- Link: https://uwa.zoom.us/j/95596804710?pwd=YlpqTnBIOUtuOWtsQ1krZVpMaWMwUT09 Password: 239502
Contact Maia Ponsonnet <[email protected]>
Start Fri, 22 May 2020 13:30
End Fri, 22 May 2020 15:00
Submitted by Karen Eichorn <[email protected]>
Last Updated Thu, 21 May 2020 10:18
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