LibGuides: American Indian Language Revitalization: Books

Search Terms

Using a combination of the following key terms will aid you in your search for information about American Indian language revitalization:

American Indian
Native American
Language Revitalization
Language Revival Efforts
Language Loss

How to find books

To find books on this topic try browsing your university or local library catalogue.
Additionally, you can also search for books on any databases your institution subscribes to or the ones provided in this LibGuide (refer to the purple "Databases" tab located in the left column).
Use the key terms from the "Search Terms" box underneath the purple tabs if you do not already know the title of the book(s) you are looking for.
After combing through your results look for three important details:
- Is the book in print or electronic (an ebook accessible online) format?
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Books

Handbook of Heritage, Community, and Native American Languages in the United States by Terrence G. Wiley (Editor); Joy Kreeft Peyton (Editor); Donna Christian (Editor); Sarah Catherine K. Moore (Editor)
ISBN: 9780415520676
Publication Date: 2014-01-06
A comprehensive overview of language revitalization amongst Native American communities across the United States, this handbook reviews the dimensions of central challenges to language loss, the value of languages as resources to individuals, communities, and society, and the dynamics of language planning and policy. Informative to not only students of heritage, but researchers and teachers, it offers global contexts of language revitalization and incorporates perspectives from across the board. This source is recognized as an introductory text to the field and as a reference for those who are already familiar with it.
Language Planning and Policy in Native America by Teresa L. McCarty
ISBN: 9781847698629
Publication Date: 2013-02-19
Teresa McCarty conducts an extensive and detailed exploration of the underlying issues of language policies, the methods employed to regaining language in social settings, and perspectives of both youth and adults in the process of language revitalization in this book. Two major contributions in consideration are her examination of the principles of indigenous sovereignties while simultaneously reinforcement of the qualities of resilience in indigenous communities. Framing grassroots efforts to reclaim language within assimilationist monolingual language policies, she highlights the possibilities for language revitalization amidst the struggle to regain languages from the last few remaining native speakers.
Lessons from Fort Apache by M. Eleanor Nevins
ISBN: 9781118424230
Publication Date: 2013-05-28
Providing a thorough examination of varying evaluations of language loss and conservation, Nelson’s ethnographic analysis emphasizes the resulting innovative practices indigenous communities have employed to counteract the hindrances of monolingual, socio-cultural policies. She eloquently disassembles the dynamics between language authorities and indigenous communities and aids in helping readers fully grasp the complexities of sustaining a language while acknowledging the intangible nature of its heritage. Focusing on the Native American reservation at Fort Apache she also provides a platform to examine the challenges of language loss on a global level.
Linguistic Ideologies of Native American Language Revitalization by David Leedom Shaul
ISBN: 3319052926
Publication Date: 2014-04-10
Based on Native American linguistic ideologies, this volume rejects western language applications of language revival in favour of a model that appreciates and allows for variances in language outcomes. Since western paradigms of language endorse language revival programs do not take into account the different types of engagement indigenous communities have with their heritage these languages are unable to thrive in many aspects of use. Rather than isolate Native American languages within written contexts, this proposed model of language revival encourages reclamation of heritage language in all aspects of the community.
Telling Stories in the Face of Danger by Paul V. Kroskrity (Editor)
ISBN: 9780806142272
Publication Date: 2012-02-20
Comprised of several essays, this source utilizes case studies that represent successful language revitalization efforts in Native American communities across the United States. Viewing traditional narratives and stories as practices that can be maintained and adopted in areas other than home, these contributors emphasize the various roles storytelling serves — a reaction and feature of language loss. Through the synthesis of anthropological, linguistic, and Native American studies it provides new lens’ to view language revitalization efforts.