• Why write in a language that (almost) no one can read? Twitter and the development of written literature

    Author(s):
    Brook Danielle Lillehaugen (see profile)
    Date:
    2016
    Subject(s):
    Linguistics
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    engangered languages, language revitalization, Twitter, Zapotec
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/M6TP5C
    Abstract:
    The development of written literature in languages which are not usually written by their speakers can be confounded by a circular problem. Potential writers are reluctant or unmotivated to write in a language that no one can read. But at the same time, why learn to read a language for which there is nothing available to read? The writers wait for the readership, while the readers wait for material. In this paper I argue that Twitter can be used effectively to support burgeoning writers of languages for which no current readership exists by partnering writers with volunteer readers who do not need to know the target language. I lay out a model for this type of work that is an effective way for outside linguists and their students to support indigenous language activists.
    Metadata:
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    Published as:
    Journal article     Show details
    Journal:
    Language Documentation and Conservation
    Volume:
    10
    Issue:
    1
    Page Range:
    356 - 393
    ISSN:
    1934-5275
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    7 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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