Revitalizing Indigenous Languages. Papers presented at the Annual Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (5th, Louisville, KY, May 15-16, 1998).

This volume of conference papers examines issues and approaches in the revitalization of American Indian and other indigenous languages. Sections discuss obstacles and opportunities for language revitalization, language revitalization efforts and approaches, the role of writing in language revitalization, and using technology in language revitalization. Following an introduction, "Some Basics of Indigenous Language Revitalization" (Jon Reyhner), the 11 papers are: (1) "Some Rare and Radical Ideas for Keeping Indigenous Languages Alive" (Richard Littlebear); (2) "Running the Gauntlet of an Indigenous Language Program" (Steve Greymorning); (3) "Sm'algyax Language Renewal: Prospects and Options" (Daniel S. Rubin); (4) "Reversing Language Shift: Can Kwak'wala Be Revived?" (Stan J. Anonby); (5) "Using TPR-Storytelling To Develop Fluency and Literacy in Native American Languages" (Gina P. Cantoni); (6) "Documenting and Maintaining Native American Languages for the 21st Century: The Indiana University Model" (Douglas R. Parks, Julia Kushner, Wallace Hooper, Francis Flavin, Delilah Yellow Bird, Selena Ditmar); (7) "The Place of Writing In Preserving an Oral Language" (Ruth Bennett, Pam Mattz, Silish Jackson, Harold Campbell); (8) "Indigenous Language Codification: Cultural Effects" (Brian Bielenberg); (9) "Enhancing Language Material Availability Using Computers" (Mizuki Miyashita, Laura A. Moll); (10) "The New Mass Media and the Shaping of Amazigh Identity" (Amar Almasude); and (11) "Self-Publishing Indigenous Language Materials" (Robert N. St. Clair, John Busch, B. Joanne Webb). Contains references in most papers, author profiles, and a poem, "Repatriated Bones, Unrepatriated Spirits" (Richard Littlebear). (SV)