少数民族言語によるライフ・ヒストリーの記録 : コメントに代えて(<特集1>アイヌのオーラル・トラディション)

抄録

Many of the minority languages are now disappearing without leaving sufficient documentation. In the present paper, after a brief review on language endangerment, the author discusses the realistic goal to "preserve" an endangered language. It is very difficult and often impossible to expect a declined language to be revitalized for daily use, and what has to be done first is to record it, as exhaustively as possible, for future generation, who will be able to recognize and inherit it as a symbol of ethnic identity. Though most minority languages enjoy no practical writing system, we can find local talents who are able to write words, sentences and stories (including their life history) in their own language. The Ainu has notably produced some talented writers. The author adds two other languages in which native writers were/are working: Uilta and Udihe (both Tungusic). The author emphasizes that the materials by such native writers, as well as by linguists, are important for the future of endangered languages. The written materials, together with the recorded voices, will contribute greatly to the next generation who has lost their own language but has a desire to learn something about it. Providing such materials for the next generation may be an only way for a vanishing language to "survive", just like classical written languages are conveying much information today.