Background Information
Looking for a research paper topic? An encyclopedia or handbook is a good starting point for key readings and background information on a topic.
- Encyclopedia of the world's endangered languages / edited by Christopher Moseley (2007) online. Gives information on the language, number of estimated speakers, language classification, geographic location
- Atlas of the world's languages in danger / editor-in-Chief, Christopher Moseley (2010)
- The Cambridge handbook of endangered languages (2011)
- Handbook of North American Indians. Vol. 17, Languages
Search Tips
When searching for material on indigenous languages, you will need to consider alternate terms and spellings for your language and concepts. Not finding anything on your topic? Try alternate phrases, spelling, and keywords. Some general tips to guide you:
Try different keywords for indigenous communities:
- First Nations
- Aboriginal
- Native
- Indigenous
- Indian
Also consider different terms for indigenous languages:
- heritage languages
- aboriginal languages
- indigenous languages
- endangered or threatened languages
- under-described languages
- community languages
Language Names : Spelling Changes and Variation
What do you call your language? Consider what other names the language has been called over time and by different groups.
Example: Dane-zaa Záágéʔ was called the Beaver language.
Example: Dakelh was called the Carrier language
Dialects also pose a challenge.
Example: Plains Cree is also known as the Y-dialect or Nehiyawewin.
Spelling Variations
Consider spelling variations, especially for languages that have had multiple (or no) written systems.
Classification systems in libraries or archives might use a different spelling.
Example:. Stó:lō, Stó:lô, Stó:lõ, Stahlo, Staulo, Stolo, Stohlo, Sto:lo (group of people)
Example:. Tsuut’ina, Sarcee, Sarsi, Tsuu T’ina, Tsu T’ina, Tsúùtínà (language)
Note: These search tips have been borrowed from the Aboriginal Languages Research Guide.
