Yaron Matras is making a difference
27 Mar 2014
I highlight linguistic diversity and help protect endangered languages
I am passionate about language documentation and endangered languages. An estimated 60-80% of the languages in the world are in danger of becoming extinct. My research has helped to archive and digitise languages some of these rare languages such as Domari, Kurdish and Neo-Aramaic. I have taken a particular interest in Romani language and culture. Romani people face many multiple prejudices and disadvantages. I have helped pull together a world leading set of Romani resources outlining the rich array of Romani dialects, academic scholarship on Romani language and culture, English-Romani dictionaries and a range of learning materials.
My most recent project is Multi-lingual Manchester which uses Manchester’s diversity to promote awareness of languages in major cities like my own. Through this research I am able to influence policy makers in identifying language needs and help document and inform about some of the many smaller languages spoken in the city.
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