Saving Wapishana: Evaluating the chances for revitalization of an endangered language

Abstract

This thesis discusses the phenomena of language endangerment, language maintenance and language revitalization, applied to the case of the Wapishana in northern Brazil. It attempts to shine a light on theoretical discussions on the viability and challenges of language maintenance and revitalization by applying the existing theory on this phenomenon to a specific case of a threatened language. The central aim of this thesis is to evaluate the chance Wapishana has to remain a spoken language in the future, and the viability of the language revitalization efforts that are being undertaken in Roraima, the region where Wapishana is still spoken. To this end the state of endangerment of Wapishana is reassessed, and the causes for its endangerment identified. Then the revitalization strategies that are being employed in Roraima are being evaluated to find out what their influences are on language attitude and behaviour among the Wapishana. The conclusions that can be taken from this research are that even though Wapishana is still ‘definitely endangered’ as a result of continued oppression and historically bad socio-political circumstances, changes have been made for the better. Current revitalization strategies have positively influenced language attitude and behaviour among the Wapishana. Still the future of Wapishana, al language now spoken by less than 10.000 people, remains unsure. Socio-political circumstances have improved considerably, but it remains to be seen if these changes have been enough.