Myles Creed
- MA (University of Amsterdam, 2012)
- BA (Lewis & Clark College, 2011)
Topic
Writing a Grammar of Inupiaq Emphasizing Language Revitalization, Pedagogy, and Inupiaq Education
Department of Linguistics
Date & location
- Tuesday, May 7, 2024
- 12:00 P.M.
- Virtual Defence
Examining Committee
Supervisory Committee
- Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins, Department of Linguistics, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
- Dr. Megan Lukaniec, Department of Linguistics, UVic (Member)
- Dr. Tim Anderson, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UVic (Outside Member)
External Examiner
- Dr. Andrea Berez-Kroeker, Department of Linguistics, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Chair of Oral Examination
- Dr. Anita Prest, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UVic
Abstract
Indigenous language grammars in the linguistics field have historically been developed in a linguist-centered model with little regard to the needs of particular Indigenous communities. Moreover, Indigenous methodologies have rarely been considered in developing Indigenous language grammars. This dissertation therefore reflects upon the theory and practice of reframing the concept of what constitutes a “grammar”. Theory and practice are operationalized through the development of a collaborative grammar project documenting King Island Inupiaq (Ugiuvaŋmiutun) grammar and creating language learning resources for the purposes of Inupiaq language revitalization, with a particular focus on adult language learners. The grammar curriculum developed in this dissertation, as a collaboration between a linguist and King Island Inupiaq community members, emphasizes Inupiaq education and values, an adult language learner pedagogy (using a focus on form approach), and community-based research models of language documentation and revitalization. The grammar curriculum produced through this collaborative project thus illustrates a way of approaching grammar writing to reflect the needs of the Inupiaq language community, including the overlapping needs of the development of pedagogical materials, materials for language revitalization, and materials that are grounded in Inupiaq education.