Peer-to-peer endangered language transmission among adults

Main author: Sallabank, Julia
Format: Book Chapters           
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id eprints-39834
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description In endangered language contexts where family language links have been broken, most native speakers are now of grandparent generation or older; they may not speak the language frequently. The parent generation are usually not fluent, but without proficient adult speakers there can be no intergenerational language transmission, either in schools or in the family. Developing fluency among adults is a vital element of effective language planning, if language revitalisation is to be more than symbolic. This chapter investigates how adults wishing to develop/improve/regain fluency in a highly endangered language, Guernesiais (Guernsey, Channel Islands), attempt to move from being learners or latent speakers to becoming new speakers. On the way they navigate challenges such as work and family commitments, gender stereotypes, societal and community ideologies. The analysis is based on interviews with nearly 40 participants, as well as participant and non-participant observation of initiatives that promote language transmission among adults: both formal lessons and less formal activities.
author_additional Hornsby, Michael
author_additionalStr Hornsby, Michael
format Book Chapters
author Sallabank, Julia
author_facet Sallabank, Julia
authorStr Sallabank, Julia
author_letter Sallabank, Julia
title Peer-to-peer endangered language transmission among adults
publisher Springer Nature
publishDate 2022
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/39834/