Language, identity and empowerment in endangered language contexts: Māori and Guernesiais

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Main author: Sallabank, Julia
Other authors: King, Jeanette
Format: Book Chapters           
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id eprints-39833
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description This chapter investigates the identities and motivations of learners of small, endangered and minoritized heritage languages, especially adults. Our case studies are from two contexts which have both similarities and contrasts: Guernesiais, a small, highly endangered language in Guernsey, Channel Islands; and Māori, a larger minoritized language spoken in New Zealand. We compare and contrast our findings with regard to salient factors that emerge as adults decide to learn these languages: motivation, identity construction and empowerment. Established frameworks of motivation and identity did not to match our contexts and emerging findings. Many interviewees reported being motivated by a desire to reconnect with roots, or to reclaim elements of their identity or culture which they feel have been denied to them. Our new speakers of minoritized languages actively seek revitalization through language as an enrichment of their individual or group identity, rather than profit- or prestige-related orientations, or lofty yet vague aspirations to ‘save the language’. The concept of muda, or ‘act of identity’ as a pivotal stage in learning a new language, is especially salient to our findings.
author_additional Ayres-Bennett, Wendy
author_additionalStr Ayres-Bennett, Wendy
format Book Chapters
author Sallabank, Julia
author_facet Sallabank, Julia
King, Jeanette
authorStr Sallabank, Julia
author_letter Sallabank, Julia
author2 King, Jeanette
author2Str King, Jeanette
title Language, identity and empowerment in endangered language contexts: Māori and Guernesiais
publisher Cambridge University Press
publishDate 2022
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/39833/

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