It is currently estimated that 6,000 languages are spoken in the
world. Of these, about half will die out this century. This means
that, on average, there is a language dying out somewhere in the world
every two weeks or so. In the first part of this talk, Professor Mari
Jones, of Cambridge University, will discuss the causes of language
endangerment and the importance of studying endangered and minority
languages around the world – for the speaker, the linguist and for the
preservation of the human knowledge-base. Professor Jones will then
outline a research project that she has been undertaking for the past
four years to help preserve our knowledge-base about the Norman spoken
in the Channel Islands. The project has made accessible some
extraordinary work undertaken by the Guernseyman J.P. Collas in the
1930s and which has led to her engaging in some fascinating linguistic
detective work - tracking down missing material which was thought to
be lost and cracking all its codes. The resulting work is the first
ever comparative glossary of the Norman Language in the Channel
Islands, offering a unique insight into the linguistic heritage and
culture of Guernsey, Jersey and Sark.
Einladung zum Vortrag am 17. Juni, 16.00 - 17.30, Porzellangasse 4, Stiege 1, 4. Stock
Die Veranstaltung wird hybrid stattfinden.
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/66172960507?pwd=l0mch4ISGeg605ah8avEMozcSzOq2D.1