New paper: Lima (2020)

Suzi Lima (faculty) has a new paper out in Cadernos de Linguística, 1(3): "Language maintenance and revitalization in Canada."

At least seventy indigenous languages are spoken in Canada. Studies indicate that most Canadian indigenous languages are endangered, in large part, due to the low rate of transmission of these languages as a first language. However, while Canadian census data show a decline in the transmission of indigenous languages as a first language, studies suggest a consistent increase in the number of second language speakers, due in part to linguistic revitalization programs in the country. In this article I give a brief overview of initiatives to maintain and revitalize indigenous languages in Canada, with a particular focus on Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) immersion schools, which have managed to create many fluent speakers of this language. These speakers have in turn helped new generations of learners both in communities and in academia. I emphasize the power of small and large initiatives to further the preservation and maintenance of languages.