Rethinking community-based Indigenous language revitalization using cultural–historical activity theory

Abstract

This article suggests a theoretical framework for re-examining the complex relationship of language, literacy, and cultural practices, across multiple generations in the context of community-based Indigenous language revitalization. In the scholarship of Indigenous language revitalization and education, researchers have shifted from viewing language policy and planning as a top-down process to suggesting the imperative for engaging local communities in the dialogues and development of language-related programmes. Going beyond taken-for-granted notions of bounded, monolithic community structures, we ask: what are the critical mediating practices between individuals and larger communal structures that create affordances or constrain opportunities for collective efforts? To address this, we employ cultural–historical activity theory (CHAT) to examine the processes of language revitalization in one Truku (Indigenous) village in Taiwan. With its attention to the role of artefacts in an activity system, CHAT helps us to problematize the use of orthographic conventions in language revitalization. Furthermore, we discuss how the incorporation of other semiotic resources mediates the spaces of agency and expands villagers' opportunities to participate. Lastly, CHAT helps community researchers and practitioners to reconceptualize the frustrations that accompany their language revitalization efforts as ‘historically accumulated contradictions’ across activity systems. We conclude with a reinterpretation of community-based language revitalization as an emerging process in which a shared goal is actively sought and negotiated.

Keywords:

• community-based language policy and planning
• cultural–historical activity theory
• Indigenous language revitalization
• Truku

Acknowledgements

We thank all the Truku children and our Truku colleagues and friends – Apay Yuki, Awang Rihang, Buya Peydang, Ciming Miki, Ciwas Uming, DaMing Buya, Gimi Yudaw, Hani Kumus, Isaku Nobu, Kimay Wajeh, Kumaw Buya, Leygon Yudaw, MeiLi Yosi, Mimi Rikit, Nobu Kumus, Pusi Nowmaw, Tien-Mu Chen, Tumun Kingjiang, Wilan Bujiang, Yudaw Pisaw, Yuki Kumus, Yuyuh Apay, and ZhiKwang Inui, without whom the project would not have been possible. We also thank the reviewers, the editor, and Dr Teresa McCarty for their invaluable insights on this manuscript. Special thanks to the Genographic Legacy Fund for financially supporting us to press on the good work!

Notes on contributors

Man-Chiu Amay Lin is a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Applied Linguistics at Arizona State University. Her research interests focus on language educational planning and policies for the ethnic minorities in Taiwan, including the Indigenous and immigrant populations, and on the relationships among language, culture, identity, and oppression in a globalizing world.

Bowtung Yudaw is a Truku elder who has lived through different historical periods in Taiwan, and speaks five languages. She is currently the local co-leader of a language revitalization project (funded by the National Geographic Genographic Legacy Fund) in one Truku village in eastern Taiwan. She is also involved in a 2013 community revival project funded by the Taiwanese Council of Indigenous Affairs.