World Day for Cultural Diversity 2013 (May 2013) Since 2002, 21 May has been designated by UNESCO as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The annual celebration honors the diverse cultures of the world and highlights the need for policies that promote cultural preservation and equality between people. SIL joins in celebrating the world’s cultures and the languages in which they are expressed.Dave Pearson, SIL's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, says: Read more about World Day for Cultural Diversity 2013
ASAO grant funds lexicon distribution in Vanuatu (March 2013) At this year’s meeting of the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO), SIL anthropologist Dr. Ken Nehrbass was recognized for his role in producing and distributing a reference work that compares six languages spoken on Vanuatu’s Tanna Island. In 2012 the six-language comparative lexicon was distributed to ninety schools on the island. The project was funded by ASAO’s Grant for Returning Indigenous Knowledge to Pacific Island Communities (GRIKPIC). Read more about ASAO grant funds lexicon distribution in Vanuatu
SIL anthropologist honored with endowed chair (November 2012) The Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL) has honored retired SIL anthropologist Dr. Marvin K. Mayers by beginning an endowed chair in his name. GIAL faculty, staff, students and guests marked the instatement of the Marvin K. Mayers Endowed Chair with a formal ceremony on 4 November. Read more about SIL anthropologist honored with endowed chair
Culture and communication in the Kewa language of Papua New Guinea (July 2012) A study co-authored by SIL International Anthropology Consultant Dr. Karl Franklin and his daughter, Dr. Karol Hardin of Baylor University, was published in the latest issue of the journal Oceanic Linguistics (Vol. 51, June 2012). “Complaints in Kewa Letters” provides insight into the language and culture of the Kewa community of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Read more about Culture and communication in the Kewa language of Papua New Guinea
National Geographic focuses on endangered languages (June 2012) Many of the world’s smaller language communities exist on the margins. Some are fading; others strive valiantly to hold onto their cultural heritage and the language that embodies it. Through stories and a gallery of quotes and photos, “Vanishing Voices,” an article in the July issue of National Geographic, introduces readers to several communities and some of the unique contributions they make to the mosaic of world cultures. Read more about National Geographic focuses on endangered languages
