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Purism, Variation, Change and ‘Authenticity’: Ideological Challenges to Language Revitalisation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 November 2017

Julia Sallabank
Julia Sallabank*
Affiliation:
SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG, UK. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

This paper is based on recent research into the small, highly endangered language Giernesiei1 (Guernsey, Channel Islands).2 Language documentation has found unexpectedly rich variation and change in Giernesiei usage, not all of which can be accounted for by regional and age-related factors. At the same time, our research into language ideologies and efforts to maintain and revitalise Giernesiei has revealed deep-seated purist or ‘traditionalist’ language attitudes that resist and deny language change. This nostalgic view of language and culture can hyper-valorise ‘authentic’ traditions (arguably reinvented3) and can lead to reluctance to share Giernesiei effectively with younger generations who might ‘change the language’, despite an overt desire to maintain it. This mismatch between ideologies and practices can be seen at language festivals, in lessons for children, and in the experiences of adult learners who were interviewed as part of a British Academy-funded project. I present a taxonomy of reactions to variation in Giernesiei, which confirms and extends the findings of Jaffe4 in Corsica. I also discuss recent revitalisation efforts that try to bring together older and ‘new’ speakers and promote the role of adult learners and ‘re-activate’ semi-speakers. The findings support the view that full evaluation of language vitality should include documenting the processes and ideologies of language revitalisation.5,6

Type
Focus: Language Endangerment and Revitalization
Information
European Review , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , February 2018 , pp. 164 - 178
Copyright
© Academia Europaea 2017 

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References

References and Notes

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