Leiden University Student Repository

Reitsma, Jelmer (2014)

What motives and goals do learners of uchināguchi have and how do they shape the future of the language?

Master thesis | Asian Studies (120 EC) (MA)

Minority languages worldwide are threatened with extinction as speakers shift to the majority language. The Ryukyuan languages spoken on the Ryukyu Islands, the most southern part of Japan,are no exception. This thesis aims to foresee and advice on the future of one of these languages: uchināguchi, spoken on the largest island of the archipelago. Through interviews and (participant) observation the motives and goals of those learning the language in Tokyo are categorized and compared to those studying uchināguchi on the island itself. Applying theories from the field of language planning and sociolinguistics, the conclusion aims to help teachers and students alike, shaping the future of this particular minority language.

Minority languages

Ryukyuan

Uchināguchi

Okinawa

Language education

Language policy

Author

Reitsma, Jelmer

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Japanese

Supervisors

Länsisalmi, R.J.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en