Digital resources and language use: Expanding the EGIDS scale for language development into the digital domains

Abstract

This paper proposes that the digital domains of language use (DDLU) be included in future assessments of language vitality. DDLU, including the consumption of online content, engagement with social media and chat which now make an important, and rapidly growing, part of the daily language use in many speech communities. This is true even in communities which were until recently fairly isolated from modern technology. Criteria for determining digital language vitality vary according to the general situation of the language but constitute a separate dimension-languages otherwise in a similar situation can differ considerably in terms of digital vitality. We consider, for instance, advanced language technology and digital content for institutional languages, teaching material and dedicated collaborative resources for vigorous and developing languages, and language documentation material for endangered languages. Crucially, what needs to be assessed is not only quantity, availability, quality, coverage, maturity, sustainability, and adaptability of resources and technology as proposed in earlier frameworks, but also, principally, their usage by the speakers. We find the concept of digital minoritization useful to advance the assessment of digital language vitality, as illustrated by the language situation in three West Nordic countries, Iceland, Norway and The Faroe Islands. This is work in progress and is an extension of the MoLiCoDiLaCo project being carried out at the University of Iceland.