Survey of California and Other Indian Languages facts for kids
The Survey of California and Other Indian Languages (originally the Survey of California Indian Languages) at the University of California at Berkeley documents, catalogs, and archives the indigenous languages of the Americas. The survey also hosts events related to language revitalization and preservation.
Origins
The Survey was started as a pilot project by Berkeley linguistics professor Murray Emeneau and Mary Haas in 1953. It was established with an official budget on January 1, 1953. Haas was a particular influence on the early working culture of the Survey. One student, Brent D. Galloway, recalled how several of Haas' students had used a Natchez greeting, wanhetahnú·ʼis, and that "the tradition had apparently continued for over twenty years." (Haas' first publication had been on Natchez.)
The first project was a study of the Karuk language by William Bright, then a graduate student. Since its founding 80 doctoral dissertations have been written under the auspices of the Survey.
Directors
In addition to Haas, the Survey has been directed by Wallace Chafe and Leanne Hinton. The current director is Andrew Garrett.
See also
- Classification of indigenous languages of the Americas
- Indigenous languages of California
- Classification of Native Americans in California
- Native American history of California
- Traditional narratives (Native California)
- Population of Native California
