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Mapping languages – a case study. Mapping languages. We want to represent a complex reality with simplified models basing ourselves on vague, inaccurate and contradictory sources. A case study: Sirionó. Sirionó A language of Bolivia ISO 639-3: srq
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Mapping languages • We want to • represent a complex reality • with simplified models • basing ourselves on vague, inaccurate and contradictory sources
A case study: Sirionó • Sirionó • A language of Bolivia • ISO 639-3: srq • Population399 (2000 W. Adelaar). 50 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 419 (2000 W. Adelaar) to over 600 (2000 P. Priest SIL).RegionEastern Beni and northwestern Santa Cruz Departments, village of Ibiato (Eviato) and along the Río Blanco in farms and ranches.Alternate names Mbia Chee, MbyaDialectsClose to Yuqui.ClassificationTupi, Tupi-Guarani, Subgroup IILanguage useParents pass Sirionó on to children, but want them to learn Spanish. Used in religious services. All ages. Positive language attitude. 5% to 10% are monolingual, others use Spanish as second language.Language developmentLiteracy rate in first language: 40%. 250 can read, 50 can write Sirionó. Taught in primary schools. Roman script. Dictionary. NT: 1977.CommentsSome form of whistle speech reported. Tropical forest, pampa. Lowlands. Agriculturalists. Christian.
Two other maps of the Sirionó area Allan Holmberg Allyn Stearman
Combining information at hand Green dots: places mentioned by Holmberg and/or Stearman in connection with Sirionó Pre-settlement Sirionó area according to Holmberg Sirionó area according to Ethnologue Pre-settlement Sirionó area according to Stearman Sirionó area according to Ethnologue and WALS
Combining information at hand Green dots: places mentioned by Holmberg and/or Stearman in connection with Sirionó Ibiato:major present Sirionó settlement 700 inh. Salvatierra: a few speakers of Sirionó in the 1990’s
Zooming in Official territory of the Sirionó acc. to governmental decree Actual location of Ibiato Casarabe acc. to US military Actual location of Casarabe ”Eviato” acc. to US military Casarabe acc. to Soviet military
Stearman Google Earth
Google Earth Stearman
Google Earth Stearman
Conclusion • We need much more than simple polygons • We need accurate first-hand information • Define standards! • Equip every field linguist with a GPS device!