Question on assessing technology for endangered language communities

[MJ Hardman]

Agreed.  MJ

On 11/1/09 1:53 PM, "Dan Harvey" <HarveyD at SOU.EDU> wrote:

> This is a topic that, as one engaged in technology, I've thought quite a bit
> about. Technology has its place, but it also has its limits. Technology cannot
> create fluent speakers or revitalize languages. This can only happen when
> children begin to consistently speak the languages in the homes, and when the
> languages are taught in immersive nests as the Hawaiians have successfully
> demonstrated. This is a serious issue because language and culture are
> intertwined; if the languages go, so will the culture.
> 
> Technology simply is a tool that one can either choose to use or not. To say
> that technology can revitalize language is like saying that a hammer can build
> a house. This being said, technology definitely has its place. When Phil
> digitized the wax recordings of a Chief Joseph speech, it connected the
> current generation to the past in a way that would not otherwise have been
> possible. Even the written systems themselves are a form of technology.
> Without the dictionary archives, many languages would already have been lost.
> The Internet, email, and mobile devices have the potential to connect people
> being separated by distance and give them the ability to communicate using
> indigenous languages should they use these things for that purpose. Language
> games and lessons distributed by CD, Web, and Smart phones offer ways to
> engage the youth.
> 
> Perhaps the question is framed incorrectly. Instead of evaluating whether
> technology has or has not been effective, a better way is to ask: can it
> contribute in a positive way, and what way might that be?
> 
> Thanks for listening, dan
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>>>> "s.t. bischoff" <bischoff.st at GMAIL.COM> 11/1/2009 8:15 AM >>>
> Along perhaps a similar vein, I wonder if archival websites or online
> dictionaries are being accessed. We've seen some great sights posted
> recently on ILAT, is anyone keeping track of hits or usage?
> 
> Shannon
> 
> On Sat, Oct 31, 2009 at 8:26 PM, Richard Zane Smith <rzs at wildblue.net>wrote:
> 
>> Susan,
>> such a good question. I'm kinda waitin' for a good answer on this one too.
>> and more specificly:
>> Is there evidence yet, that all the high tech stuff is helping with
>> fluency?
>> 
>> Richard,
>> Wyandotte Oklahoma
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 1:53 PM, Susan Penfield
>> <susan.penfield at gmail.com>wrote:
>> 
>>> QUESTION:
>>> 
>>> Has anyone done any specific research addressing the question of how
>>> technology (broadly) is impacting indigenous language communities?  And / or
>>> how it is specifically being assessed, in terms of community involvement,
>>>  as an instrument for either documenting or revitalizing endangered
>>> languages?
>>> 
>>> Any input appreciated!
>>> 
>>> Susan
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> ****************************************************************************
>>> ******************
>>> Susan D. Penfield, Ph.D.
>>> (Currently on leave to the National Science Foundation.
>>> E-mail: spenfiel at nsf.gov
>>> Phone at NSF: 703-292-4535)
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Department of English (Primary)
>>> Faculty affiliate in Linguistics, Language, Reading and Culture,
>>> Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (SLAT),
>>> American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI)
>>> The Southwest Center
>>> University of Arizona,
>>> Tucson, Arizona 85721
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>