Applied Linguists Needed

Language extinction becomes more relevant and more real to people through reports from the frontlines like those found in this volume. In studies ranging from Texas Czech to Thailand's Gong language, we see remarkable efforts--community-driven and linguist-aided--at language resilience, revitalization and survival. Understanding the pressures and everyday realities of small speech communities allows us to see how these give rise to global trends such as language hotspots. This perspective also helps reveal that the answer lies in education, pedagogy and broad-based support for the value and utility of local languages. These papers provide a compelling argument that linguists can and should be strong advocates on behalf of language diversity and revitalization. By aiming for positive social impact as well as solid science, linguistics becomes more relevant, more grounded, and more humanitarian in its values. These papers show us the way. K. David Harrison, Swarthmore College and Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages, USA This vibrant collection of papers by leading linguists places language documentation and revitalization at the center of the linguistics agenda. Reflecting the urgency of worldwide language endangerment, the authors call for closing multiple gaps -- between formal linguistic work and community education needs, academic disciplines, and professional expertise. Presenting empirical examples from western Thailand, eastern Siberia, the People's Republic of China, Native North America and ethnic Czech communities in Texas, the authors offer cautionary tales as well as proactive recommendations for bridging the gaps. Together, the chapters provide a compelling rationale for collaboration among all stakeholders in the reciprocal project of linguistic documentation and community-based language revitalization. Teresa L. McCarty, A.W. Snell Professor of Education Policy Studies, Professor of Applied Linguistics, and Co-director, Center for Indian Education, Arizona State University, USA