Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics in SIL focuses on identifying the minority languages of the world, assessing their ethnolinguistic vitality, and describing patterns of language use. The results of that research are applied to planning appropriate language development programs and activities.
Language Assessment
In cooperation with national entities, SIL's field workers survey and assess languages, using both purely linguistic and sociolinguistic aspects of language.
Language Development
Many of the world's lesser-known languages are unwritten. When the speakers of these languages desire, we work with them to develop their languages.
Planning a Development Program
Based on the information gained in our assessment activities, we work with local communities to set goals and develop strategies for language development programs.
Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 15th Edition
This edition of the Ethnologue has been extensively revised to include more complete and user-friendly indexes, 208 color language maps, helpful statistical summaries, and the first complete implementation of the draft ISO 639-3 three-letter language identifiers. Available as a durable, hardcover volume as well as a browsable online resource.