Ethical Aspects and Cultural Sensitivity in Language Revitalization

Abstract

This chapter explores ethical issues involved in language revitalization. Revitalization projects have different implications for different groups (including outside researchers, local activists, community members and sub-groups within the community) and should be planned in a way that is sensitive to the community’s needs, perspectives and knowledge systems. In cases where there is past or present oppression, discrimination or related traumas, only the community can decide whether and how they wish difficult topics to be brought up. Other issues discussed include the political positioning of researchers working with minority groups, legal issues, ownership, consent and the appropriate sharing of documentation resources. The capsule recounts ethical lessons learned through a collaboration with indigenous researchers in Friendship Centres in Ontario, Canada. The emphasis is on practical involvement in everyday activities so that research is grounded in long-term, reciprocal relationships with the knowledge keepers.