Aboriginal Language-Learning in Cyberspace: A Typology of Language- Related Web Sites and Their Potential Uses

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the literature on language diversity, linguistic human rights, and language renewal; examines some representative Web sites dedi­cated to Aboriginal languages} and explores possible uses of the Internet in language renewal and maintenance. Two such possible uses are: (a) as a vast and flexible resource center where structured lessons, grammars, lexicons, fonts, and other resour­ces can be developed, shared, and added to; and (b) as a means of meaningful commu­nication in Aboriginal languages through e-mail, conferences, and/or Web sites to share ideas and information, co-author stories and other texts, and so forth.