Revitalizing Endangered Languages

Of the approximately 7,000 languages in the world, at least half may no longer be spoken by the end of the twenty-first century. Languages are endangered by a number of factors, including globalization, education policies, and the political, economic and cultural marginalization of minority groups. This guidebook provides ideas and strategies, as well as some background, to help with the effective revitalization of endangered languages. It covers a broad scope of themes including effective planning, benefits, wellbeing, economic aspects, attitudes and ideologies. The chapter authors have hands-on experience of language revitalization in many countries around the world, and each chapter includes a wealth of examples, such as case studies from specific languages and language areas. Clearly and accessibly written, it is suitable for non-specialists as well as academic researchers and students interested in language revitalization. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

• The first practical guide to revitalizing endangered languages
• Aimed at a general audience and written in a clear, accessible style, avoiding academic jargon
• Written by contributors with a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge, allowing readers to learn from others' experience and success stories
• Each chapter includes a range of examples from a specific language community or of a specific type of activity
• Avoids a 'one size fits all' approach by presenting concrete examples and providing readers with tools to make their own decisions
• This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core