LARA in the Service of Revivalistics and Documentary Linguistics: Community Engagement and Endangered Languages

Abstract

We argue that LARA, a new web platform that supports easy conversion of text into an online multimedia form designed to support non-native readers, is a good match to the task of creating high-quality resources useful for languages in the revivalistics spectrum. We illustrate with initial case studies in three widely different endangered/revival languages: Irish (Gaelic); Icelandic Sign Language (ÍTM); and Barngarla, a reclaimed Australian Aboriginal language. The exposition is presented from a language community perspective. Links are given to examples of LARA resources constructed for each language.