Lost for words (fwd article)

[Jesse Gaskell]

The question that I posed on the ILAT was in regard to the use of
historical linguisitcs and language documentation where not just one
language (English) but many languages interfered with the correct
language usage.

In order to reconstruct the root language, the speakers of the dialects
were recorded and then the phonogical system of the dialect was compared
to the five languages that were co-occurring. We began by looking at
only the root language and English, and then realized that the Italian,
German, Irish, French and Spanish had intermarried over a three
generation time period.

This resulted in the sound systems influences being evidenced in the
root language as well. Complicating this, the root language had a
dialect difference split three ways over a 100 mile distance. This is
the reason I brought up Dr. Julie Roberts. She has been mapping the
dialects of a single language. Our speakers spoke five languages
consecutively before the five Anglo languages came onto the scene. 

My argument on the chat line was to proceed by going backwards. In order
for us to diagnose the root dialect of the primary root language, it was
necessary to compare the dialects per region and map them. After
comparing the dialects of each region, of the English language, we were
able to match the phonological system close enough to determine the
primary root language of this region.

Hence I suggested using English back against itself. When we have a
group of people who are intimidated by revitalization, a demonstration
of the ties between the dialect that they speak now to the primary
language encourages the speakers to see the similarities in their
dialects to the root and makes it less overwhelming. On the other hand,
by pointing out the damages caused by the invasive languages, modern
legal remedies may be applied through educational programs- once the
dialect has been recorded and recognized as a completely separate system
related to a root. Thus it is no longer lumped into an "aboriginal
English" but as a specific English, that can be shaped back into the
original language.

Sandy

-----Original Message-----
From: Indigenous Languages and Technology
[mailto:ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU] On Behalf Of Anggarrgoon
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 12:48 PM
To: ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Subject: Re: [ILAT] Lost for words (fwd article)


Sandra, I don't understand what you're proposing. We have heaps of 
information about the phonology of Guugu Yimidhirr, we don't need to 
reconstruct it from Aboriginal English (which is itself a very 
complicated system to describe since it is subject to a great deal of 
variation dependent on many different factors).
Claire

Jesse Gaskell wrote:
> Has anyone begun recording the GuuguYimithirr-English Dialect of the 
> Australian English (or any language for that matter) to try to bring 
> this language back? (read Dr. Julia Roberts and her work on Vermont 
> dialects)In order to be slated as a dialect, the educational system 
> would need to recognize the original language and it's effects upon 
> the current generational usage of the English-Australian language. 
> This could bring funding back to the younger generation and promote 
> the recognition of the ancient phonological system ???? I agree it is 
> so downtrodden a feeling- and a lonely place for the Elders today- 
> just a thought about revitalization from a compromising position in 
> today's world-and a way to motivate the younger people to participate.
> 
> Sandra Gaskell, RPA, MA
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Indigenous Languages and Technology 
> [mailto:ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU] On Behalf Of phil cash cash
> Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 11:58 AM
> To: ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
> Subject: [ILAT] Lost for words (fwd article)
> 
> 
> Lost for words: The lonely fight to save our dying languages by John 
> Van Tiggelen
> 
> ...reporting on the situation regarding the indigenous languages of 
> Cape York Pennisula.
> 
> Weekend, The Sydney Morning Herald Magazine
> Sept 10, 2005
> 
> 
> [note: thanks to Bruce Rigsby, University of Queensland for kindly 
> sharing this article.  phil cash cash]
>