Endangered Language Fair

The Endangered Language Alliance, the Ethnic Services Round Table of the New York Library Association and the New York Public Library join forces to raise awareness about minority languages in danger. Attendees will learn why endangered languages matter and what efforts are being made to preserve them, besides hearing about several languages throughout the world from speakers involved in preserving—and celebrating—them.

Learn about languages of the Americas, such as Ojibwe and Garifuna, lesser-known European languages, such as Circassian, and the Indo-Aryan language, Bishnupriya Manipuri. These, as well as languages of the Jews throughout the world and the Celtic languages, are among the topics under discussion in this day-long event.

Daniel Kaufman, linguist and founder of the Endangered Language Alliance, will discuss some of New York’s endangered linguistic communities and their languages as well as showing recent video pieces from a collaboration with Google’s Endangered Language Program on the languages of Timor.

K. David Harrison, linguist and author of The Last Speakers: The Quest to Save the World’s Most Endangered Languages will give a special multi-media presentation. Prof. Harrison is a leader of the National Geographic’s “Enduring Voices” project. He has spent the past decade working with speakers of some of the world’s smallest and most endangered languages in locations in Siberia, India, Chile, the U.S. and elsewhere.

SCHEDULE

 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Daniel Kaufman gives an introduction to language endangerment and ELA’s work in New York City

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Languages of the Americas: Ojibwe and Garifuna.

12:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Time to visit tables, go out for lunch, and speak with presenters and others involved in language preservation efforts.

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

K. David Harrison provides a global perspective on endangered languages and revitalization.

2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Bishnupriya Manipuri and Circassian.

3:15 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Yiddish, Ladino and other languages of the Jewish Diaspora.

3:45 P.M.-5:00 p.m.

Celtic Languages: Irish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton.

Confirmed speakers

Daniel Kaufman, linguist, Endangered Language Alliance

Kalvin Hartwig, member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Cultural Activist: Ojibwe

James Lovell (Afrigarifuna Youth Ensemble), Garifuna musician, teacher, and Cultural Activist: Garifuna

Ross Perlin, author and linguist: Yiddish, Ladino and other languages of the Jewish Diaspora

K. David Harrison, linguist and author of The Last Speakers: The Quest to Save the World’s Most Endangered Languages

Jonty Yamisha, Executive Director, Nassip Foundation: Circassian

Uttam Singha, Pouri International: Bishnupriya Manipuri

Seamus Blake, Host of the radio program, Míle Fáilte: Irish Gaelic

Roslyn Blyn-LaDrew, Lecturer, Celtic Languages, University of Pennsylvania: Welsh

Charles Kergaravat, President, BZH New York/Association of Bretons in New York: Breton