Anthropology 270 - NATIVE AMERICAN LINGUISTICS

North America is linguistically diverse and was home to more than 300 languages prior to the arrival of Europeans; since the arrival of Europeans, over half of these languages have gone extinct. This course examines the languages currently and historically spoken by the indigenous peoples of North America, focusing on linguistic diversity and language endangerment, preservation, and revitalization. We examine early linguistic work by anthropologists; the language families of North America; the typology of Native American languages, including phonology, morphology, and syntax; the impact of colonialism on Native American language and culture; and current documentary and revitalization work. Prerequisite: ANT 200 level or higher. (E)