colonialism - LingoDigest

The First-Contact Linguist: The Ethical Tightrope of Studying a Previously Uncontacted People’s Language

6 min read

What are the ethical responsibilities of a linguist who is the first outsider to document a language from a previously uncontacted people? This article explores the high-stakes world of first-contact linguistics, from the “Prime Directive” debate over non-interference to the modern protocols that prioritize community empowerment over data extraction. We’ll delve into the moral dilemmas of recording a language while potentially altering the culture that speaks it forever.

Native American Languages Culture History Spanish

The Impact of Indigenous Languages on Spanish in Latin America

4 min read

When the Spanish conquest began in the 15th century, the Latin American landscape was a vast mosaic of diverse indigenous communities, each with their unique [Read More…]