The Cambridge Handbook of Endangered Languages

Description

It is generally agreed that about 7,000 languages are spoken across the world today and at least half may no longer be spoken by the end of this century. This state-of-the-art Handbook examines the reasons behind this dramatic loss of linguistic diversity, why it matters, and what can be done to document and support endangered languages. The volume is relevant not only to researchers in language endangerment, language shift and language death, but to anyone interested in the languages and cultures of the world. It is accessible both to specialists and non-specialists: researchers will find cutting-edge contributions from acknowledged experts in their fields, while students, activists and other interested readers will find a wealth of readable yet thorough and up-to-date information.

Peter K. Austin is Marit Rausing Chair in Field Linguistics and Director of the Endangered Languages Academic Programme at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Julia Sallabank is Lecturer in Language Support and Revitalisation in the Endangered Languages Academic Programme at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

'This handbook is an excellent assemblage of facts and ideas about the fast declining world's linguistic diversity. It is uniquely resourceful and comprehensive.' Herman M. Batibo, Former President, World Congress of African Linguistics 'This splendid handbook is an authoritative resource for those seeking to respond responsibly to ongoing loss of the world's languages.' Nancy H. Hornberger, University of Pennsylvania 'The Cambridge Handbook of Endangered Languages is without a doubt a welcome contribution to the field of linguistics and language preservation. One of the key aspects of preserving minority languages is public engagement, so the production of easy to read and highly accessible texts such as this is an important step in the process. It is authoritative and comprehensive, providing both facts and current academic theory to great and provocative effect.' Zoe Bartliff, LinguistList (www.linguistlist.org)