Making dictionaries : preserving indigenous languages of the Americas / edited by William Frawley, Kenneth C. Hill, Pamela Munro.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Frawley, William, 1953-

Hill, Kenneth C.

Munro, Pamela.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Indians--Languages--Dictionaries.

Indians.

Indians--Languages--Lexicography.

Indians--Languages.

Lexicography.

Genre:

Dictionaries.

Physical Description:

vi, 449 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, [2002]

Summary:

Many indigenous American languages face imminent extinction, and the dictionary, often the only written documentation of these languages, stands as a powerful tool in preserving them. These essays, written by leading scholars in Native American language studies, provide a comprehensive picture of the theory and practice of Native American lexicography. The contributors discuss the technical, social, and personal challenges involved with the complex task of creating a dictionary of a Native American language. The book is also the first of its kind to address both standard and new issues surrounding the challenging task of transforming oral languages in general into written dictionaries. Making Dictionaries will be an invaluable source for those involved with all aspects of documenting and understanding endangered languages and for the increasing number of native communities engaged in language reclamation and preservation efforts.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 391-421) and index.

ISBN:

0520229959

0520229967

OCLC:

47863283