Language Revitalization

What is Language Revitalization?

Language revitalization refers to the process of bringing a dead or dying language back into common usage. It is also called language revival, although many believe the term “revival” should only apply to dead languages and “revitalization” to dying ones.

Language reclamation is a related concept and frequently occurs together with revitalization/revival. However, it refers only to the process of a population reasserting its right to speak its language.

Why Is It Important to Have a Good Language Revitalization Method?

The main purpose of language revitalization is the preservation of culture. Reclamation of cultural heritage and strengthening of cultural identity are also common reasons for revitalizing languages—though many argue that this is not necessary to preserving cultural identification.

Another reason to revitalize or resurrect a language can include communication. However, this generally only occurs when there is no other widely spoken lingua franca.

Finally, linguists may support language revitalization efforts so they could increase the trove of linguistic data currently in existence. They may also find the data psychologically illuminating, as some linguistic concepts may be totally unique.

What Internal Data Should I Have for a Good Language Revitalization Method?

Of course, a language revival method must contain all the language’s data, in auditory and written form. When these do not exist, transcription and recording devices may help build up the data set. Deep learning techniques have helped build datasets like these in the past.

What External Data Is Essential for a Good Revitalization Method?

A good revitalization model may use UNESCO or other organizations’ data about the status of endangered languages. Examples of previous revivals or revitalizations would also be good choices. Depending on the state of the language—that is, whether it is “definitively endangered” or “critically endangered” according to UNESCO—some revitalization methods would be unhelpful.

What External Data May Prove Useful for a Good Revitalization Method?

Other important data may include gamification and other data used for e-learning methods; reviving a language depends on younger generations speaking it in everyday life, so engaging them with fun teaching methods may be critically important, especially if their parents do not speak the language well or at all.

Additionally, as noted earlier, some languages do not have complete written or auditory records. Artificial intelligence programs can identify individual words or parts of speech in a strange language and accurately record it for researchers and students.

What Are the Main Challenges of this Use Case?

The main challenge with this use case is that any revival or revitalization of a language depends on a large enough segment of a population to be willing to adopt a new language in everyday life, and carry that on for generations. The difficulty of this task is enormous—yet, when cultural heritage motivates people, it can be very effective.

Interesting Case Studies and Blogs to Look Into

UNESCO: Language Vitality and Endangerment
Science Node: AI revitalizes rare language

Tangible Examples of Impact

Wal-aks, a knowledge holder fluent in the Nisga’a language who is advising on the language portion of the project, said using virtual reality would enhance the learning experience.

“I think that using those instruments would really contribute to being able to learn a lot more about our culture and our language when we’re able to see it,” Wal-aks said.

CBC: Project to use virtual reality technology to teach Nisga’a culture and language