A cross-linguistic investigation of the relationship between language vitality and ethnobiological knowledge transmission

• Applicant: Aung Si, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: General and Comparative Linguistics, Experimental Linguistics, Typology, Non-European Languages
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 430905037

The endangerment and loss of minority languages is a problem of grave concern in many parts of the world. The loss of a language leads to a loss of not only cultural information, but also much practical and intangible knowledge about the natural world. This is particularly troubling, because endangered languages tend to occur in places where the natural environment and biodiversity are also threatened. This project aims to investigate the link between language vitality (the degree to which a language is used in various social settings, and transmitted to the next generation) and the state of a community's traditional ethnobiological knowledge (TEK; knowledge of the natural environment). This will be done by systematically measuring key variables in a number of endangered languages in Myanmar, India and Australia. Using an interdisciplinary approach involving language documentation and ethnobiological techniques, it is anticipated that this project will shed light on the complex interactions between language endangerment, knowledge transmission to younger generations and non-linguistic variables, such as the health of the local natural environment. Key hypotheses to be tested include: whether there is a correlation between the degree of language vitality and the level of TEK being transmitted to younger generations; and whether non-linguistic factors (such as proximity to forested areas) have a bearing on the transmission of TEK. The project will develop a framework for determining linguistic and ethnobiological vitality separately, allowing targeted interventions to safeguard either or both as necessary.This project should provide an improved understanding of the factors driving the maintenance and loss of a language community's ethnobiological knowledge, which is a key part of its cultural heritage. The direct outputs include audio-visual documentations of a number of endangered languages of Myanmar, which will provide baseline data for future studies on change in language and knowledge. The outputs will provide opportunities to better design language support policies and documentation programs, enabling targeted interventions for language loss, knowledge loss, or both. The project will lead to significant cultural benefits in the study site and in other countries, where language and knowledge loss is a serious problem.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants