Language planning and language revival

Abstract

This paper explores the interface between language planning and language revival, based on current efforts to reclaim and reintroduce Kaurna, the language of the Adelaide Plains. This language probably had not been used on a daily basis for the best part of 130 years, until recent efforts in the 1990s to revive it. Using written records, efforts are now being made to piece the language together and to develop a written and spoken language that addresses contemporary needs. Micro language planning is salient in the revival context. Indeed, language planning in this context typically involves individual learners and users of the language, small groups and very small organisations. This paper extends the vision of language planners to include languages hitherto regarded as 'dead' or 'extinct'. Language planning has as much to offer in these situations as it does for major world languages.