The revitalization of Embera language in Colombia: from orality to literacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7764/onomazein.amerindias.03Keywords:
Embera language, linguistic cooperation, language standardization, revitalization, training of indigenous teachersAbstract
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.