LINGUIST List 13.3246

Tue Dec 10 2002

Qs: Endandered Languages, Media Query

Editor for this issue: Renee Galvis <reneelinguistlist.org>



We'd like to remind readers that the responses to queries are usually best posted to the individual asking the question. That individual is then strongly encouraged to post a summary to the list. This policy was instituted to help control the huge volume of mail on LINGUIST; so we would appreciate your cooperating with it whenever it seems appropriate.

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Directory

  • Dan Everett, History of interest in endangered languages
  • Christine Kenneally, Media Query

    Message 1: History of interest in endangered languages

     Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 04:21:08 +0000
    From: Dan Everett <dan.everettman.ac.uk>
    Subject: History of interest in endangered languages


    Concern for endangered languages has grown dramatically in recent years. I know that there was a huge leap in interest some 12 years ago or so and that interest and concern has been building rapidly since then.

    I would like to have a clearer idea of the history, though. I am asking for help, therefore, in identifying publications, conferences, LSA events, etc. that might be identified with the birth of the current interest in endangered languages. I will post a summary if there is a large enough response.

    Thanks for your help,

    Dan Everett

    Message 2: Media Query

     Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 18:42:43 -0500
    From: Christine Kenneally <ckenneallyckenneally.com>
    Subject: Media Query


    Dear Linguistlist,

    A recent paper in Science by Noam Chomsky, Marc Hauser and Tecumseh Fitch began by imagining what an extraterrestrial biologist would make of human languages and the earth's other communication systems. This seems to be familiar from other linguistic articles and ideas. Does anyone know who else has used the idea of the extraterrestrial naturalist to talk about linguistics and does anyone know when this was first used?

    Best wishes, Christine Kenneally - Christine Kenneally, Ph.D. 718 369 3458 tel 646 431 5091 cell 718 369 3478 fax ckenneallyckenneally.com