Developing Orthographies for Unwritten Languages

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Alphabet, Literacy
Cover of the book Developing Orthographies for Unwritten Languages by , SIL International
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781556714191
Publisher: SIL International Publication: May 26, 2017
Imprint: SIL International Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781556714191
Publisher: SIL International
Publication: May 26, 2017
Imprint: SIL International
Language: English

While investigating endangered languages, many researchers become interested in developing literacy for these languages. However, often their linguistic training has not provided practical guidance in this area. This book, with contributions by experienced practitioners, helps fill this gap. Both foundational theory and specific case studies are addressed in this work. Non-linguistic factors are described, particularly sociolinguistic issues that determine acceptability of orthographies. A principled approach to the level of phonological representation for orthographies is proposed, applying recent phonological theory. The thorny issues of how to determine word breaks and how to mark tone in an orthography are explored. "Overly hasty orthographies" and the benefits of allowing time for an orthography to settle are discussed. Principles of the foundational chapters are further exemplified by detailed case studies from Mexico, Peru, California, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, which vividly illustrate the variety of local conditions that must be taken into account. The combination of theoretical and practical makes this book unique. It will benefit those involved in helping establish orthographies for hitherto-unwritten languages, and provide concrete guidance through crucial issues. Michael Cahill (Ph.D. 1999, Ohio State University) developed the Konni orthography in Ghana. He was SIL's International Linguistics Coordinator for eleven years, and is on the LSA's Committee on Endangered Languages and their Preservation. Keren Rice (Ph.D. 1976, University of Toronto) helped standardize the orthography of Slavey, and has taught on orthography development at InField/CoLang. She was LSA President in 2012 and is currently University Professor at the University of Toronto.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While investigating endangered languages, many researchers become interested in developing literacy for these languages. However, often their linguistic training has not provided practical guidance in this area. This book, with contributions by experienced practitioners, helps fill this gap. Both foundational theory and specific case studies are addressed in this work. Non-linguistic factors are described, particularly sociolinguistic issues that determine acceptability of orthographies. A principled approach to the level of phonological representation for orthographies is proposed, applying recent phonological theory. The thorny issues of how to determine word breaks and how to mark tone in an orthography are explored. "Overly hasty orthographies" and the benefits of allowing time for an orthography to settle are discussed. Principles of the foundational chapters are further exemplified by detailed case studies from Mexico, Peru, California, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, which vividly illustrate the variety of local conditions that must be taken into account. The combination of theoretical and practical makes this book unique. It will benefit those involved in helping establish orthographies for hitherto-unwritten languages, and provide concrete guidance through crucial issues. Michael Cahill (Ph.D. 1999, Ohio State University) developed the Konni orthography in Ghana. He was SIL's International Linguistics Coordinator for eleven years, and is on the LSA's Committee on Endangered Languages and their Preservation. Keren Rice (Ph.D. 1976, University of Toronto) helped standardize the orthography of Slavey, and has taught on orthography development at InField/CoLang. She was LSA President in 2012 and is currently University Professor at the University of Toronto.

More books from Literacy

Cover of the book Identity-Focused ELA Teaching by
Cover of the book Overtested by
Cover of the book Planet Word by
Cover of the book Developing Writing Teachers by
Cover of the book Language and Globalization by
Cover of the book Reading the Visual by
Cover of the book Playing Their Way into Literacies by
Cover of the book Cross-linguistic Influences in the Second Language Lexicon by
Cover of the book Writer's Guide to Nonfiction by
Cover of the book Grammar for Sentence Combining: Underpinning Knowledge for Adult Literacy Practitioners by
Cover of the book Literacy Work in the Reign of Human Capital by
Cover of the book Talk For Writing In Secondary Schools: How To Achieve Effective Reading, Writing And Communication Across The Curriculum by
Cover of the book Born Reading by
Cover of the book Genre in a Changing World by
Cover of the book Producing Good Citizens by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy