Conceptions of Nuosu Script and Literacy in the Cool Mountains of Southwest China: Hold on to Your Roots

In China, little research has been done regarding literacy in the minority languages. The Nuosu people, a thriving minority ethnic group in China, are proud of their language and its script. However, most Nuosu do not use Nuosu script in their daily lives. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand and explain Nuosu people's conceptions of their script, that is, how they think about it, what value it has, and where it fits into their world and lives. Data were collected utilizing semi-structured interviews with 22 Nuosu adults from both rural and urban settings, having a range of levels of education and literacy. Using grounded theory methodology and engagement with the data, themes emerged that informed the construction of a theory: For the Nuosu, their script embodies and carries the collective life of Nuosu people passed down to them from their ancestors. This theory explains the four most significant themes that surfaced in the data: (a) the connection of Nuosu script to Nuosu identity; (b) the importance of transmitting Nuosu script; (c) the prominence of Nuosu classics and proverbs; and (d) the use of Nuosu script in religion and the arts. The theory also helps make sense of apparent contradictions in two other puzzling themes which surfaced in the data: usefulness/uselessness of the Nuosu script and reading/writing discrepancy. Moreover, the theory helps explain two secondary themes: the need for pinyin and the use of technology. This study provides an emic perspective to the literature investigating local language literacy. Generating new theory regarding the value, role, and learning of local language scripts, this study contributes to a fuller understanding of literacy for local languages. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]