Ethnographic contributions to the study of endangered languages /

This anthology is a valuable addition to the growing number of works on endangered languages. The volume's contributions all have an ethnographic approach to the subject and are case studies from a variety of cultures throughout the world. The authors discuss issues that have led to the endangerment of the language and that are involved in its revitalization. The 12 contributions are grouped into three parts: "Effects of Educational Policies," "Effects of Revitalization," and "Effects of Sociohistorical Processes." Each of the languages and cultures has its own story, which not only makes the book a fascinating read, but also effectively conveys the complexity of language loss and revitalization. For example, one chapter may attribute language loss in one culture to active suppression, while another chapter will discuss the role of beautiful scenery and real estate prices in language loss in a different culture. The book's foreword and afterword are themselves of great value and are written by important figures in the field, Jane Hill and Ofelia Zepeda. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. C. L. Thompson Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne