Ethnic Diversity
The LSA places a high priority both on the diversity of languages and on the intellectual and ethnic diversity of the linguistics profession. The LSA's resources on linguistic diversity include the efforts of the Committee on Endangered Languages and the showcasing of introductory articles such as:
Our Strategic Plan emphasizes that "the LSA values worldwide linguistic diversity and supports the preservation and revitalization of endangered languages." The LSA Strategic Plan also emphasizes that "The LSA values diversity, both in terms of the linguistics profession, and also in terms of the various sub-specialties and research disciplines that contribute to the vibrancy of linguistic scholarship." This LSA commitment to addressing issues of ethnic diversity in linguistics through a range of programs and resources, including:
- Committee on Ethnic Diversity in Linguistics
- Data on Ethnic Diversity of Linguistics Departments and Programs (coming soon as part of the Directory)
- LSA Membership Directory (includes data on race/ethnicity)
- The LSA has also discussed and issued a series of Statements, Resolutions, Endorsements and Guides on issues relating to ethnic and linguistic diverisity:
Resolutions
- U.S. Government Action to Support the Preservation and Revitalization of Native American Languages [4 April 2011]
- The Arizona Teachers' English Fluency Initiative [18 August 2010]
- Guidelines for the Use of Language Analysis in Relation to Questions of National Origin in Refugee Cases [9 January 2009]
- Opposition to all discrimination and political sanctions against scholars on the basis of religion or ethnicity [1 July 2003]
- Sign Languages [1 July 2001]
- Ebonics [1 July 1997]
- Opposition to Unz/Tuchman Initiative [1 July 1998]
- English Only [1 July 1987]
Statements
- Statement and Recommendations on Visa Problems Harming America's Scientific, Economic, and Security Interests
- The Need for the Documentation of Linguistic Diversity
- Language Rights
Endorsements
LSA Sister Societies, which meet in conjunction with the LSA Annual Meeting are active in addressing issues of linguistic diversity:
- American Dialect Society
- The Society for Pidgin and Creole Languages
- The Society for the Study of the Indigenous Languages of the Americas
Additional Resources:
- Women in Linguistics Mentoring Alliance (discontinued)
- Annual Report on the State of Linguistics in Higher Education