Mapping languages – a case study

Mapping languages We want to –represent a complex reality –with simplified models –basing ourselves on vague, inaccurate and contradictory sources

A case study: Sirionó Sirionó A language of BoliviaBolivia ISO 639-3: srqsrq Population399 (2000 W. Adelaar). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 419 (2000 W. Adelaar) to over 600 (2000 P. Priest SIL).RegionEastern Beni and northwestern Santa Cruz Departments, village of Ibiato (Eviato) and along the Río Blanco in farms and ranches.Alternate names Mbia Chee, MbyaDialectsClose to Yuqui.ClassificationTupi, Tupi-Guarani, Subgroup IILanguage useParents pass Sirionó on to children, but want them to learn Spanish. Used in religious services. All ages. Positive language attitude. 5% to 10% are monolingual, others use Spanish as second language.Language developmentLiteracy rate in first language: 40%. 250 can read, 50 can write Sirionó. Taught in primary schools. Roman script. Dictionary. NT: 1977.CommentsSome form of whistle speech reported. Tropical forest, pampa. Lowlands. Agriculturalists. Christian.Tupi, Tupi-Guarani, Subgroup II

Sirionó on a standard language map

Two other maps of the Sirionó area Allan HolmbergAllyn Stearman

Combining information at hand Pre- settlement Sirionó area according to Holmberg Pre- settlement Sirionó area according to Stearman Sirionó area according to Ethnologue and WALS Green dots: places mentioned by Holmberg and/or Stearman in connection with Sirionó Sirionó area according to Ethnologue

Combining information at hand Ibiato: major present Sirionó settlement 700 inh. Green dots: places mentioned by Holmberg and/or Stearman in connection with Sirionó Salvatierra: a few speakers of Sirionó in the 1990’s

Casarabe acc. to Soviet military Zooming in Official territory of the Sirionó acc. to governmental decree ”Eviato” acc. to US military Casarabe acc. to US military Actual location of Casarabe Actual location of Ibiato

Stearman’s Ibiato maps

Google Earth Stearman

Google Earth Stearman

Google Earth Stearman

Conclusion We need much more than simple polygons We need accurate first-hand information Define standards! Equip every field linguist with a GPS device!