Court rules against Yup’ik as an historically written language
Fri, July 18, 2008
Posted in Alaska News, Top Stories
A Federal Judge has ruled that Yup’ik is not an historically written language. The ruling is part of a lawsuit brought on by Yup’ik elders and tribes against the State of Alaska and the City of Bethel. The ruling by Judge Timothy Burgess could limit the kind of language assistance the state is required to provide.
Shane Iverson, KYUK - Bethel
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2 Comments to “Court rules against Yup’ik as an historically written language”
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I just returned from Bethel and my first introduction to the marvelous Yupik culture. It’s sad to see that we have a federal judge who is so insensitive to culture strengths.
Language doesn’t have to be written to be valid. It’s a method of oral communication that is simply recorded by using the mechanics of language. Just because it wasn’t written down doesn’t invalidate it.
What is the timeline/strategy for appealing this decision? I’ll be happy to network some linguists and other experts to add to the elders case.
Actually, there are very specific reasons for the decision and why it is beneficial to the intent of the suit which is to get voters meaningful information.
A summary was posted here, Nick v. Bethel - Voting in Yup’ik - http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=396