The Anthropology of Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology Chapter 10 Doing Linguistic Anthropology 1

Language extinction and revitalization Unmasking hidden bias in language Linguistic Anthropology today Using linguistic anthropology 2

Language Extinction How many languages in the world? 6,300 current estimate – How many are at risk (under 20,000 speakers)? Nearly 4,000 – How many have fewer than 100 speakers? Nearly 500 3

Language Revitalization Factors that can help (Yamamoto): – Dominant culture favors linguistic diversity – Speakers have strong sense of ethnic identity – There are educational/cultural programs – There are bilingual programs in the schools – Native speakers are trained as language teachers – The speech community is involved – There are easy-to-use language materials – There is literature in the language – There are environments where the language is used 4

Hidden Bias in Language: Gender Marked and unmarked forms – Are unmarked forms really neutral? Anyone in KS can have an abortion if he wants one? Words and metaphors – Descriptors: handsome, pleasant – Metaphors: IDEAS are BUILDINGS Discourse – Address forms “Hello, girls” / “Greetings, professor” 5

Hidden Bias in Language: Racism The non-neutrality of unmarked forms – Did the South really lose the Civil War? Words and metaphors – The guys in the white hats – The dark side Discourse – Mock Spanish: a site for the unconscious reproduction of racism (Jane Hill) 6

Linguistic Anthropology Today Increasing focus on discourse – Language in cultural settings – Language as a cultural resource – Speaking as a cultural practice – Communicating across cultures With renewed attention to descriptive analysis And renewed attention to language origins Maintaining a four-field focus 7

Using Linguistic Anthropology Learning new languages – a fieldwork approach Learning new languacultures (Agar) – ethnosemantics – Rich Points on the MAR Reading and thinking critically about language, and more… 8

Never forget! The importance of ethics – Being a good guest – Adapting to different living styles – Adjusting frames of reference – Providing culturally relevant assistance – Doing no harm The AAA code of ethics – 9

Next: Language Creating – Prepare your skits (everyone should be present) – Hand in your project books for grading (remember, consistency counts) Conversation Partnering – Saying goodbye and thank you! OR – Arranging to stay in touch with your CP Preparing for the final exam – Study questions on the companion web sitecompanion web site An advanced course in linguistic anthropology? 10