Document, Document, Document

[Andre Cramblit]

Documenting Endangered Languages

Linguistics experts estimate that almost half of the world's 6,000-7,000
existing languages—and the cultural, linguistic and cognitive
information they encapsulate—are headed for oblivion.  In response, the
National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with the National
Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has launched a multi-year “rescue
mission” to document and preserve key languages before they become
extinct.  More than 70 at-risk languages will be digitally archived as
part of their new Documenting Endangered Languages (DEL) awards
program.

Reporters are invited to attend a briefing on June 14 to explore the DEL
program and to highlight three current research projects that underscore
its value and goals.

What: Briefing - “Documenting Endangered Languages”

Who: David Lightfoot, NSF assistant director of Social, Behavioral and
Economic Sciences

Carole Watson, NEH assistant chairman for Partnerships and National
Affairs
Joan Maling, NSF program director of linguistics
Seth Kramer, Ironbound Films, Inc.
Susan Penfield, University of Arizona
Lise Dobrin, University of Virginia

When: Tuesday, June 14, 2005
	1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Where: National Science Foundation
	 4201 Wilson Blvd., Room 110
	 Arlington, Va. 22230
	(Ballston Metro stop)
	- Enter at corner of 9th & Stuart
	- Go directly to Rm. 110 on the left (no need to check in with
security)
	For directions: http://www.nsf.gov/about/visit/

RSVP (media only) to nmahoney at nsf.gov

For more information and a detailed agenda, contact:
Media:  Nicole Mahoney (nmahoney at nsf.gov)
Others: Susan Mason (smason at nsf.gov)