Saving a disappearing language

Linguistic anthropologist Stephen Pax Leonard (see image at left) lives as Inuit for a year to save disappearing language


Click here to read more.

Where is Heather today?

Discussion as Sharing

So you've read "Metaphors We Live By" by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson (that's Johnson on the left and Lakoff on the right).

What did you learn?

Share and respond.

Chickasaw Greetings

Josh's Chickasaw name is "Lokosh," which means "gourd"

In February 2012, I visited with Joshua D. Hinson, Director of Cultural Education and Outreach for Chickasaw Language Revitalization Program at his office here in Ada in anticipation of his visit to my linguistics class here at ECU. While I was there, I asked him if wouldn't mind pronouncing a few Chickasaw phrases for us so that we could practice them before his visit. Fortunately for us, he was happy to help.

The specific phrases I asked for were: "chukma," which means "hello;" "[Name] se-holhchifo-ut" (My name is); and "Chipitsaliket Chukma" (or "Chukma chipitsaliket", either of which translates as "It's good to see you").



After I spoke with Joshua, he introduced me to JoAnn Ellis, a native speaker of Chickasaw, who teaches Chickasaw language classes here at ECU (enroll, guys!). She also generously agreed to help us out.



Yakoke!

Native Tongues

So you've read Nancy Lord's "Native Tonuges" (480-486).

What did you learn?

Share and respond.

Are you following the script?

Gender Norms in Language and Communication Style

Males:
1. Take the lead in the conversation
2. Change the subject rather than dwelling too long on one thing
3. Challenge what others say (as opposed to reinforcing it)
4. Keep a straight face
5. Interrupt to keep the conversation moving at a brisk pace
6. Talk about the facts and reasons as opposed to feelings
7. Assume a body posture that suggests confidence

Females
1. Let others take the lead
2. Don’t change the subject—focus on going into depth on the current subject
3. Reinforce what others say (rather than challenging what others say)
4. Smile and laugh, especially when saying something that might be perceived as threatening
5. Step on the end of someone else’s line to support what they’re saying
6. Talk about your feelings as opposed to facts and reasons
7. Assume a body posture that suggests deference to others

Coming attractions: Lisa Sheffield

Lisa Sheffield, the Director of ECU's Interpreter Services Program for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students, will be visiting our class on Friday, February 14th to talk to us about ASL.  In the comment box below, please post any questions you have for her.

Here are some questions I have for her:
1. What got you interested in ASL?
2. What is the biggest misperception people have about ASL?

Thanks!