While we are asleep: Master/Mentor-Apprentice language learning initiative in the Ryukyus

Zlazli, Miho

Abstract

I currently conduct participatory action research with new speakers of Ryukyuan languages by running a project called MAI-Ryukyus, which is designed based on Hinton’s Master/Mentor-Apprentice Language Learning Program, to explore both emotional and cognitive aspects of learning one’s own Indigenous ancestral tongue. The findings of the PhD research will be discussed in a future article. In this paper, I introduce my research design, discuss the issues identified in current language revitalisation efforts through ethnographic observation, and conclude with future directions.

Citation

Zlazli, M. (2021). While we are asleep: Master/Mentor-Apprentice language learning initiative in the Ryukyus. SOAS working papers in linguistics, 20, 142-164. https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00035592

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 1, 2021
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Oct 4, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 4, 2021
• Journal: SOAS Working Papers in Linguistics
• Print ISSN: 1473-0855
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Pages: 142-164
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00035592
• Keywords: Indigenous transformative paradigm, language revitalisation efforts, Master/Mentor-Apprentice Language Learning Program, new speakers, Ryukyuan languages
• Publisher URL: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/schools-and-departments/school-languages-cultures-and-linguistics/department-linguistics/soas