Revitalisation of endangered languages around the world : factors of success, causes of failure

Files

Supervisors: Joachim Sabel
Faculty: Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres
Degree label: Master [120] en langues et lettres modernes, orientation germaniques, à finalité approfondie
Abstract: This thesis tackles the thorough analysis of twelve language revitalisation processes around the world and is undertaken with the aim of highlighting the factors of success and the causes of failure in the revitalisation projects implemented for endangered languages. This research is carried out through compilation work of several hundred languages (736), of which twelve were selected for more in depth analysis. The information collected from these analyses and the corresponding literature emphasizes decisive factors in the success of revitalisation projects. These factors are then combined in a shared model, which aims at assembling the various aspects of revitalisation a language requires to carry out their project successfully. This model has been dubbed by this author as The Wheels of Revitalisation. For the sake of readability and diversity, the research was divided into 6 sub-sections corresponding to 6 continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Latin America, and North America).