Question on assessing technology for endangered language communities

[Rolland Nadjiwon]

...a very strong and well put point...I can use your statement if that 
is ok with you. I will be doing a Summer course entitled, 'ancestral 
memory'. I think your idea is relevant. Also, can posts from ILAT be 
used or forwarded outside the list. I would like to send this on to ones 
I know involved in language and culture programs. Is there some protocol 
for this.

-------
wahjeh
rolland nadjiwon



MJ Hardman wrote:
> 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
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>         
>
>   
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