Biological, linguistic and cultural change and education in one coastal community in Newfoundland and Labrador

Gilbert-Mulcahy, Barbara Lynn (2018) Biological, linguistic and cultural change and education in one coastal community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Much attention has been focused on issues of ecological and biological loss but less so on the worldwide loss of languages. There is heightened awareness of the need for sustainability in the ecological domain but less so in terms of language and culture. Nettle and Romaine (2000), whose research showed remarkably high correlations between areas of biological diversity and linguistic diversity, coined the term biolinguistic diversity to describe “a common repository” (p.13). It is a key concept for scholars across disciplines who explore diversity through integrated and holistic approaches. An examination of the relationships and differences between the domains of biology and language might explain reasons for loss, or sustainability, in both (Maffi, 2001; Romaine, 2013). I explore how a holistic approach will demonstrate the interconnections and interrelations within different domains. I relate these issues to the ecological disaster of fisheries mismanagement in Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly with reference to the cod moratorium of 1992, and examine the impact on language and culture in one coastal community in the province. Furthermore, I examine how education can contribute to biological, linguistic and cultural sustainability.

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