Language Shift, Cultural Renewal

In the heart of Papua New Guinea's Sepik region, the village of Gapun stands as a micro interactedcosmos of a global phenomenon: language shift and cultural change. This book delves into the complexities of this transformation, offering a poignant narrative of a community grappling with the loss of its ancestral tongue and the erosion of its cultural heritage.
Through the eyes of villagers from all walks of life, we witness the struggle to preserve their mother tongue while preparing their children for a world increasingly dominated by Tok Pisin, the nation's lingua franca. Elders, language teachers, community leaders, and young people share their personal stories, revealing the emotional toll of losing a language, the challenges of maintaining cultural heritage in the face of globalization, and the resilience of a community determined to preserve its unique identity.
Drawing inspiration from the work of renowned anthropologist Marshall Sahlins, the book explores the concepts of structure and event, examining how historical forces and individual agency shape the trajectory of language and culture. It sheds light on the intricate interplay between language, identity, and social change, raising profound questions about the value of endangered languages and the importance of linguistic diversity.
This book is more than just a study of a single community; it is a call to action, urging us to recognize the significance of language and culture in shaping human identity and social cohesion. It invites readers to reflect on the consequences of language loss and to support efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity around the world.
With its rich ethnographic detail and compelling storytelling, this book will appeal to scholars, students, and general readers alike. It offers a valuable contribution to the fields of anthropology, linguistics, and cultural studies, while also illuminating the urgent need to protect and celebrate the world's endangered languages and cultures.
If you like this book, write a review!