App-assisted language revitalization: Insights from applied cognitive linguistics

Abstract

[EN] Current theoretical advances in applied linguistics have not yet found wide practical application in the field of language revitalization. In this paper, plans for an open source application for desktop computers and mobile devices for Indigenous language learning settings will be outlined. The app consists of building blocks inspired by cognitive linguistics and task-based language learning. Members of Indigenous language communities can use these to create exercises and assessment modules for their respective languages. In the paper, a mock-up with model exercises will be showcased to illustrate how certain aspects of the afore-mentioned theories can be applied. For example, vocabulary tasks are informed by insights from the analysis of collocations, connotations, frames, metaphors, prototypicality, and semantic relations.