This is an interesting article on how electronic mediation can help save endangered languages.  One example given was to use digital technology (which is inexpensive) to record the last remaining, competent speakers of a language, who otherwise would have failed when it comes to intergenerational transmission of competence in the language.

Some questions in the article that arise are:

• How can electronic mediation help in the revitalization of endangered languages?
• Are there limitations on specific technologies used?
• Why do some communities face resistance when recording their languages (onto CD Roms for example)?
• Are English language influences able to be avoided (for example in Radio Broadcasts)?
• Will there be conflicts between the language “purists” and those who speak different dialects when it comes to creating official recordings?
• How can one be sure that all stereotypes of a community are avoided as well as being careful not to represent the people as “unmodern” or “backwards” (when compared to western societies) during the process of documenting the language?
• How can ethnic identity and cultural differences be portrayed truthfully without being adapted to the way that the producers “think” they should be portrayed?

It was interesting to notice that (Ginsburg, 2002) was referred to in this article.  I believe that the only way for indigenous people to have full control over their own language and identity when it comes to using technology, is for them to become their own producers and to control the technology 100%.  For example, the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN) in Canada is controlled by indigenous people which has played a “revitalizing role for Inuit and First Nations people, as a self-conscious means of cultural perseveration” (Ginsburg, 2002).  In order to avoid any western bias  or stereotypical views, 100% control of all First Nation recordings, films or other, I believe is the only way to go.

References

Eisenlohr, P. (2004).  Language Revitalization and New Technologies. Cultures of Electronic

          Mediation and the Refiguring of Communities.  Annual Reviews Anthropology.

          doi:10.1146/annurev.anthro.33.070203.143900

Ginsburg, F. (2002).  Screen Memories.  Resignifying the Traditional in Indigenous Media.

In Media Worlds: Anthropology on a New Terrain.  University of California Press