What we need to know about conducting language revitalisation work - A literature review from sociolinguistic perspectives

Abstract

This article provides a critical review of literature relating to Indigenous language revitalisation, including an introduction that provides the sociolinguistic background on language endangerment, and makes a strong plea for language preservation work. In particular, this paper highlights the efforts required prior to conducting language revitalisation work by explaining language endangerment assessment criteria and the efforts entailed to carry out the work. In theorising language revitalisation, key concepts and vocabulary are explained, and thus, the content serves as an additional resource to PG students interested in research related to language and society.