Understanding Language Choices: A Guide to Sociolinguistic Assessment (August 2012) What are the deciding factors that influence individuals and communities to choose one language over another? Co-authors Ken Decker and John Grummitt explore this topic in a new book entitled Understanding Language Choices, recently released by SIL International Publications. Read more about Understanding Language Choices: A Guide to Sociolinguistic Assessment
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
12th International Conference of Austronesian Linguistics hosted in Indonesia (July 2012) The 12th International Conference of Austronesian Linguistics (12-ICAL), co-organized by the Australian National University, MPI-EVA Leipzig and Udayana University was hosted at Udayana’s campus in Bali, Indonesia, 2-6 July. Held every three to four years, this conference draws Austronesianists from around the world. Read more about 12th International Conference of Austronesian Linguistics hosted in Indonesia
SIL tools for language documentation presented at Charting Vanishing Voices workshop (June 2012) Scholars and digital archivists from a variety of institutions and organizations are coming together 29-30 June for a workshop entitled “Charting Vanishing Voices: A Collaborative Workshop to Map Endangered Oral Cultures.” The event is being held at Cambridge University’s Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH). Martin Raymond of SIL’s Non-Roman Script Initiative will introduce several new tools for language documentation developed by SIL. Read more about SIL tools for language documentation presented at Charting Vanishing Voices workshop
