scholarly journals Language shift, bilingualism and the future of Britain's Celtic languages

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1559) ◽  
pp. 3855-3864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Kandler ◽  
Roman Unger ◽  
James Steele
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Language Shift ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Transitional State ◽  
Endangered Language ◽  
Basic Model ◽  
Vernacular Language ◽  
Celtic Languages ◽  
Shift Dynamics ◽  
Demographic Trajectories

‘Language shift’ is the process whereby members of a community in which more than one language is spoken abandon their original vernacular language in favour of another. The historical shifts to English by Celtic language speakers of Britain and Ireland are particularly well-studied examples for which good census data exist for the most recent 100–120 years in many areas where Celtic languages were once the prevailing vernaculars. We model the dynamics of language shift as a competition process in which the numbers of speakers of each language (both monolingual and bilingual) vary as a function both of internal recruitment (as the net outcome of birth, death, immigration and emigration rates of native speakers), and of gains and losses owing to language shift. We examine two models: a basic model in which bilingualism is simply the transitional state for households moving between alternative monolingual states, and a diglossia model in which there is an additional demand for the endangered language as the preferred medium of communication in some restricted sociolinguistic domain, superimposed on the basic shift dynamics. Fitting our models to census data, we successfully reproduce the demographic trajectories of both languages over the past century. We estimate the rates of recruitment of new Scottish Gaelic speakers that would be required each year (for instance, through school education) to counteract the ‘natural wastage’ as households with one or more Gaelic speakers fail to transmit the language to the next generation informally, for different rates of loss during informal intergenerational transmission.

Elements of a sociolinguistic theory: The case of Breton

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-53
Author(s):  
Gary Manchec-German
Keyword(s):  
Language Shift ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Recent Book ◽  
Endangered Language ◽  
Vernacular Language ◽  
The Social ◽  
Economic Forces ◽  
Inside View ◽  
New Form ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract This article is a synthesis of the major elements of a sociolinguistic theory presented by Jean Le Dû and Yves Le Berre in their recent book, Métamorphoses, Trente ans de sociolinguistique à Brest (1984–2014). Given that both authors come from native Breton-speaking families in Western Brittany and have experienced the language shift to French first-hand, they provide a unique, inside view of the process as well as the reasons Breton speakers opted in favour of French. The sociolinguistic concepts they have imagined provide highly useful tools that highlight the inseparable bond between language and the social, political and economic forces that govern our choices. More specifically, they point out that the “Breton language” is splintered into as many varieties as there are social and geographic entities in western Brittany. For this reason, it should not be viewed as a monolithic entity. Far from “reviving” or “saving” the language, the authors argue that the recent creation of a phonologically, grammatically and lexically unified Breton norm is often so distant from the vernacular language that it has provoked a new form of diglossia which failed to reverse the break in the transmission of the natural language. The book provides tremendous insight into the complex issues which lead people to shift to another language. Language planners and scholars working on similar endangered language situations and who want to understand the mechanisms at work (and thus hopefully have some success in their endeavours) would do well to take heed of their experience.

scholarly journals Estimating, monitoring, and forecasting COVID-19 epidemics: a spatiotemporal approach applied to NYC data

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius V. L. Albani ◽  
Roberto M. Velho ◽  
Jorge P. Zubelli
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Basic Model ◽  
Monitoring And Forecasting ◽  
Group Sex ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Spatial Locations

AbstractWe propose a susceptible-exposed-infective-recovered-type (SEIR-type) meta-population model to simulate and monitor the (COVID-19) epidemic evolution. The basic model consists of seven categories, namely, susceptible (S), exposed (E), three infective classes, recovered (R), and deceased (D). We define these categories for n age and sex groups in m different spatial locations. Therefore, the resulting model contains all epidemiological classes for each age group, sex, and location. The mixing between them is accomplished by means of time-dependent infection rate matrices. The model is calibrated with the curve of daily new infections in New York City and its boroughs, including census data, and the proportions of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths for each age range. We finally obtain a model that matches the reported curves and predicts accurate infection information for different locations and age classes.

Quebec’s new language dynamic

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-134
Author(s):  
Charles Castonguay
Keyword(s):  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Language Shift ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
Romance Language ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
French Colonies ◽  
English Speaking

Abstract Census data are used to monitor the efficiency of Bill 101 in reorienting language shift more favourably for French. Immigration from former French colonies or Romance-language countries is shown to be the major factor driving the increase in the share of French in the assimilation of Allophones since 1991. The schooling provisions of Bill 101 are seen to play a significant supporting role in this respect, but not those promoting French as language of work. It is further shown that the corresponding trend towards a greater share for French in overall assimilation has become seriously compromised by a growing Anglicization of Francophones themselves, notably in the Montreal metropolitan area. The resulting consolidation of the superiority of English as language of assimilation in Quebec is seen to explain in large part the emergence of a new language dynamic since 2001, combining a record decline in relative weight of Quebec’s French-speaking majority with a mild but equally historic increase in weight of its English-speaking minority.

scholarly journals Kia kaua te reo e rite ki te moa, ka ngaro: do not let the language suffer the same fate as the moa

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (162) ◽  
pp. 20190526
Author(s):  
Tessa Barrett-Walker ◽  
Michael J. Plank ◽  
Rachael Ka'ai-Mahuta ◽  
Daniel Hikuroa ◽  
Alex James
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Endangered Languages ◽  
Endangered Language ◽  
Learning Rates ◽  
Welsh Language ◽  
Using Data

More than a third of the world's languages are currently classified as endangered and more than half are expected to go extinct by 2100. Strategies aimed at revitalizing endangered languages have been implemented in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. Here, we develop a new model regarding language transmission by dividing the population into defined proficiency categories and dynamically quantifying transition rates between categories. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term. We then apply the model to te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, as a case study. Initial conditions for this model are estimated using New Zealand census data. We modify the model to describe a country, such as New Zealand, where the endangered language is associated with a particular subpopulation representing the indigenous people. We conclude that, with current learning rates, te reo Māori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory.

Reconsidering language shift within Singapore’s Chinese community: A Bourdieusian analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (248) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Bokhorst-Heng ◽  
Rita Elaine Silver
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Language Shift ◽  
Chinese Community ◽  
Chinese Dialects

AbstractThe official narrative told by national census data in Singapore is that of massive language shift within one generation from a myriad of Chinese dialects towards Mandarin and English as dominant home languages. This story of shift is often told in ways that suggest the community completely and pragmatically transformed its practices and allegiances (

scholarly journals Kia kaua te reo e rite ki te moa, ka ngaro: Do not let the language suffer the same fate as the moa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Barrett-Walker ◽  
Michael J. Plank ◽  
Rachael Ka’ai-Mahuta ◽  
Daniel Hikuroa ◽  
Alex James
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Endangered Languages ◽  
Endangered Language ◽  
Learning Rates ◽  
Welsh Language ◽  
Using Data

AbstractMore than a third of the world’s languages are currently classified as endangered and more than half are expected to go extinct by 2100. Strategies aimed at revitalising endangered languages have been implemented in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. Here, we develop a new model regarding language transmission by dividing the population into defined proficiency categories and dynamically quantifying transition rates between categories. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term. We then apply the model to te reo Māori, the Indigenous language of New Zealand, as a case study. Initial conditions for this model are estimated using New Zealand census data. We modify the model to describe a country, such as New Zealand, where the endangered language is associated with a particular subpopulation representing the Indigenous People. We conclude that, with current learning rates, te reo Māori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory.

scholarly journals Assessment of socio-economic risks by method of extremely critical (threshold) indicators

POPULATION ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
Vyacheslav Lokosov
Keyword(s):  
Social System ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Russian Society ◽  
Progressive Development ◽  
Transitional State ◽  
First Time ◽  
Economic Risks

Method of extremely critical (threshold) indicators of social development, including assessment of socio-economic risks, has been developed in the national sociology, economics, and other social sciences about three decades. For the first time development of the method as a scientific problem was stated in 1994, and there was made an attempt to construct such scale of indicators. Development of the method is going productively. There have been published a series of research works, dissertations that directly or indirectly develop or apply this method, propose different variants of constructing a scale of indicators. We have three basic components of situation diagnosis: the existing social system, the risks (challenges, threats) hampering progressive development of this system, and the extremely critical values of the risk indicators, a certain "red line", going beyond which means an increase in the probability of radical changes and further— collapse of the existing system, its transitional state and reorganization. The research and management tasks are to counteract such risks and to prevent entry of the society into the critical zone; or vice versa, to stimulate transformation of the system. The article provides an assessment of the socio-economic risks by method of extremely critical (threshold) indicators that leads to conclusion about a certain, far from complete and sufficient departure of the Russian society from the critical line of the 90s of the past century, and therefore about a tendency to reduction of the risk of another dismantlement of the existing social system. Along with these positive changes, dangerous disproportions and critical risks remain in many socio-economic indicators, primarily related to demography, population health, standards and quality of life.

scholarly journals Language shift among Kurds in Turkey: A spatial and demographic analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinan Zeyneloğlu ◽  
Ibrahim Sirkeci ◽  
Yaprak Civelek
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Language Shift ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Demographic Analysis ◽  
Interregional Migration ◽  
The Future

This study explores language shift and interregional migration among Turkey’s Kurdish-origin population using census data as well as TDHS data. First, the geographical retraction of the Kurdish language between 1945 and 1965 is depicted using respective censuses as data sources. Second, patterns of intergenerational language shift and the effects of migration and education on this shift are elaborated utilising 2003 TDHS data and the 2000 Census data. Interregional mobility by birth regions and language concentration across Turkey has also been mapped. The Kurdish population in Turkey appears to be on the verge of near-universal bilingualism prompting concerns about the future of the language.ABSTRACT IN KURMANJIGuherîna zimanî di nav kurdan de li Tirkiyeyê: Nirxandineke mekanî û demografîkEv xebat, bi rêya tehlîlkirina daneyên serjimêriyê û herwiha daneyên TDHSyê, dikeve pey têgihiştina guherîna zimanî û koçberiya nav-herêmî di nav nufûsa kurd-regez a Tirkiyeyê de. Pêşiyê, bertengbûna coxrafî ya zimanê kurdî di navbera 1945 û 1965an de bi rêya tehlîla daneyan hatiye nîşandan. Paşê, awa û qalibên ziman-guheriya ji nifşekî bo nifşê din û tesîra koçberî û perwerdeyê li ser wê guherînê hatine nirxandin bi rêya bikaranîna daneyên TDHSya 2003yan û serjimêriya 2000an. Herwiha, hereketa mirovan ya ji herêmekê bo herêmeke din li gor herêma wan a jidayikbûnê, û paye û belavbûna zimanan li seranserê Tirkiyeyê hatiye bi nexşekirin. Wisa diyar e ku gelê kurd li Tirkiyeyê li ber duzimaniyeke seranserî ye, ku ev yek fikaran li dor paşeroja zimanî durist dike.ABSTRACT IN SORANI

scholarly journals O le Aso Ma le Filiga, O le Aso Mata’igatila. A qualitative study looking at Samoan language maintenance within second generation households

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Leitumalo Paongo-Parsons
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Language Shift ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Speech Community ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Endangered Language ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand

<p>Samoan language within Aotearoa New Zealand has been labelled as “at risk” of becoming an endangered language if language shift continues (Hunkin, 2012; Wilson, 2017). Language shift or language loss is defined as when a speech community gradually stops using one of its two languages in favour of the other, in this case English (Ravindrantha, 2009). The Samoan population is the largest community of the Pacific diaspora living in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the use and maintenance of the Samoan language is rapidly declining. Although community-led initiatives have led to establishing of Aoga ‘Amata (Samoan language and culture immersion preschool), Pacific Islands Early Childhood Association (PIECA) and the establishing of Samoan Studies departments within tertiary institutions, there continues to be an urgent need for government support and the implementation of Pacific language policies to ensure the continued use and protection of Samoan and other Pacific languages within the realm of Aotearoa New Zealand.  The three research questions framing this investigation are as follows:  1. How do the second and third generation Samoans view language and culture as contributing to their identity?  2. Where are second and third generation Samoans using and learning Samoan? 3. Is there a relationship between wellbeing and language shift?  O le Filiga Afa, a qualitative research methodology, was born out of this research in response to the need for a culturally responsive framework. Data was gathered through focus group and one-to-one discussions and included New Zealand - born Samoan - speaking and non-Samoan - speaking Samoan participants. Key findings from this study include:  • All participants had a deep yearning for maintaining and revitalising their heritage languages;  • Language, culture and identity are intertwined and cannot be separated from one another; • The role of elders, genealogy and the connection to culture contributes significantly towards the reinforcing and the maintenance of the Samoan language. • A strong connection can be found between language shift and one’s wellbeing</p>

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