The revitalization of Embera language in Colombia: from orality to literacy

Authors

  • Andoni Barreña Agirrebeitia Universidad de Salamanca (España)
  • Manel Pérez-Caurel Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU (España)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7764/onomazein.amerindias.03

Keywords:

Embera language, linguistic cooperation, language standardization, revitalization, training of indigenous teachers

Abstract

While the Embera people had in the past rejected to codify its own language, at the end of the 20th century the Embera from Chocó (Colombia) decided to start using a writing system for their language so as to introduce it in education. It was in 2010 when a three-year project was designed to accomplish this task. This article describes, firstly, the general background of the Embera language and society; secondly, it deals with the features of the project and its state of development. Finally, the article addresses the challenges the future poses to the maintenance of the Embera.

Author Biography

Manel Pérez-Caurel, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU (España)

Cátedra UNESCO de Patrimonio Lingüístico Mundial

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Published

2017-10-31

How to Cite

Barreña Agirrebeitia, A., & Pérez-Caurel, M. . (2017). The revitalization of Embera language in Colombia: from orality to literacy. Onomázein, (NE III), 58–76. https://doi.org/10.7764/onomazein.amerindias.03

Issue

Special Issue III: Las lenguas amerindias en Iberoamérica: retos para el siglo XXI

Section

Articles