Created in 2009, the Consortium on Training in Language Documentation and Conservation will hold its first meeting on June 19 and 20, 2010.

Renowned linguists Carol Genetti, University of California, and Margret Florey, from Australia, famous for their engagement to the revitalization of endangered languages, have co-created this new organization.

The ongoing description and documentation of indigenous languages are considered by many field linguists as too scarce, and likewise the necessity of a personal engagement to the populations alongside the scientific study of their language.

From the moment one decides to particpiate actively in the revitalization of an indigenous language, many questions arise : Where to start ? How to teach the transmission of very minorised languages ? What tools are there to supply to the population in order for them to ensure the revitalization of their own language ? etc.

The CTLDC was created to try and answer these questions. A series of meetings will be held this year in order to gather linguists from all continents.

Debates over two days, June 19 and 20, at the University of Oregon, will be followed by a second meeting, from November 12 to 16, 2010 at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Colette Grinevald, member of the Sorosoro scientific board, will attend the first meeting, and Sorosoro Program Director Rozenn Milin will attend the second meeting in Tokyo.

Find out more about the CTLDC here.

The June meeting will take place just before the second edition of InField at the University of Oregon. InField 2010 is an opportunity for linguists, language activists, language teachers and members of minority language community to receive field linguistics training on a variety of topics relevant to language documentation, maintenance and revitalization. (same place, June 21 to July 2). More information in our article ” 21th June-30th July: InField 2010 workshops” or on http://logos.uoregon.edu/infield2010/home/index.php