Synopsis
This book results from a collaboration between activists and academics. The editors believe that if grammar is to become politically important, then educated people must receive some grounding in a scientifically based descriptive linguistics before they are exposed to the prejudices of traditional prescriptive linguistics.
Issues covered include:
the use of language as a form of ethnic defence
the implications of the emergence of literary forms of languages without a written tradition
the social position of speakers of these languages
educational strategies for supporting students from these communities
and multilingual education and its political implications.
Some case studies of educational initiatives are included.
The book will interest those involved in work with minority communities using languages without a written tradition including teachers, community development and support workers and members of these communities concerned to identify strategies to achieve greater recognition of the intrinsic worth of these language traditions.