What is the primary mission and core output of the Linguasphere Observatory?

The Linguasphere Observatory is a non-profit transnational research network focused on gathering, studying, classifying, and freely distributing information about the world's languages and speech communities. Its principal output is the comprehensive and continuously updated Linguasphere Register of the World's Languages and Speech Communities.

What is the original French and legal title of the Linguasphere Observatory?

The original French and legal title of the Linguasphere Observatory is Observatoire Linguistique.

When and where was the Linguasphere Observatory initially established?

The Linguasphere Observatory was created in Quebec in 1983. It was subsequently established and registered as a non-profit association in Normandy, France.

Who held the honorary presidency of the Linguasphere Observatory upon its establishment in Normandy?

The honorary presidency of the Linguasphere Observatory was held by Léopold Sédar Senghor, who was a French-language poet and the first president of Senegal.

Who is identified as the founding director of the Linguasphere Observatory, and what was their prior role?

The founding director of the Linguasphere Observatory is David Dalby, who previously served as the director of the International African Institute and was an emeritus reader at the University of London.

Who was the first research secretary of the Linguasphere Observatory, and what is their current academic position?

Philippe Blanchet, a poet of the Provençal language, was the first research secretary. He currently serves as a Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Rennes.

Who currently manages the digital presence and research council of the Linguasphere Observatory?

Since 2010, Pierrick le Feuvre has been the deputy director and webmaster of the Observatoire. Roland Breton, an emeritus professor from the University of Paris VIII, chairs its research council.

Where are the primary research hubs for the Linguasphere Observatory located?

The Linguasphere Observatory's research hubs are currently based in the preserved county of Dyfed in Wales and in Normandy, France.

What innovative classification system has the Linguasphere Observatory developed for languages?

The Linguasphere Observatory has developed an innovative scheme of philological classification, known as the Linguascale framework. This system codes all living and recorded languages within a global referential structure.

What is the fundamental structure of the Linguascale framework?

The Linguascale framework utilizes a decimal structure to categorize languages, employing a coding system that records both genetic relationships (phylozones) and geographic relationships (geozones) within a global referential system.

When was the first edition of the Linguasphere Register published, and what did it contain?

The first edition of the Linguasphere Register of the World's Languages and Speech Communities was published in 1999-2000. It contained a comprehensive listing and classification of the world's languages and speech communities.

Who reviewed the initial publication of the Linguasphere Register?

The initial Linguasphere Register received reviews from Edward J. Vajda, published in the journal Language, and Anthony P. Grant, published in the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Society.

How is the revised edition of the Linguasphere Register being distributed, and when was it prepared?

A revised edition, designated LS-2010, was prepared starting in 2010 and has been published online since 2011 as a freely available public resource and database, intended for regular updates every ten years.

What was the Linguasphere Observatory's role in the development of language coding standards with ISO?

Between 2001 and 2005, the Linguasphere Observatory collaborated with the British Standards Institution (BSI Group) and ISO/TC 37 to help design a four-letter (alpha-4) code potentially covering every recorded language variety globally. However, the Observatory was not involved in the final ISO 639-6 standard.

What is the policy of the Linguasphere Observatory regarding international language coding standards like ISO 639?

The Linguasphere Observatory's policy is that its independent work on language coding should complement and support the established ISO 639 international standards.

To whom does the Linguasphere Observatory express gratitude for their work on language cataloging?

The Observatory expresses praise and gratitude to Barbara Grimes and her husband Joseph for their pioneering work as the creative editors of the Summer Institute of Linguistics' Ethnologue: Languages of the World until Barbara Grimes' retirement in 1996.

What does the Linguascale framework aim to achieve in its classification of languages?

The Linguascale framework aims to situate each language and dialect within the totality of the world's living and recorded languages, using a flexible coding formula that reflects ongoing linguistic research and relationships.

How does the first part of the Linguascale coding system, the decimal classification, function?

The first part uses a two-numeral key (00 to 99) to denote the relevant phylozone or geozone. The first numeral represents one of ten referential sectors (either phylosectors based on historical links or geosectors based on geography), and the second numeral represents one of ten zones within that sector.

What information is conveyed by the three capital letters in the second part of the Linguascale code?

The three capital letters (majuscules, from -AAA- to -ZZZ-) divide each zone into sets (first letter), chains (second letter), and nets (third letter). This division is based on the relative degrees of linguistic proximity between languages.

On what basis are languages divided into sets, chains, and nets within the Linguascale framework?

The division of languages into sets, chains, and nets is based on measured degrees of linguistic proximity, primarily determined by approximate proportions of shared basic vocabulary. Phylozones tend to have fewer divisions than geozones because their constituent languages are inherently closer historically.

What is the function of the final part of the Linguascale code, consisting of lowercase letters?

The final part uses up to three lowercase letters (minuscules, from aaa to zzz) to precisely identify a specific language or dialect. The first minuscule denotes an 'outer unit' (a language or dialect), and subsequent minuscules identify 'inner units' and language varieties within that outer unit.

How does the Linguasphere coding system represent the English language overall?

The code representing all forms of English is 52-ABA. This code indicates it belongs to the Indo-European phylosector (5), the Germanic phylozone (52), the Norsk+Frysk set (52-A), the English+Anglo-Creole chain (52-AB), and finally, the English net (52-ABA).

What specific English language varieties are identified by the codes 52-ABA-a, 52-ABA-b, and 52-ABA-c?

Code 52-ABA-a identifies Scots and Northumbrian; 52-ABA-b represents Anglo-English, encompassing traditional localized varieties of southern Great Britain and Ireland; and 52-ABA-c denotes Global English, covering modern varieties spoken and written worldwide.

How is the Geordie traditional variety of English specifically coded within the Linguasphere system?

The Geordie traditional variety is coded as 52-ABA-abb. This signifies its classification under the Scots+Northumbrian outer unit (52-ABA-a) and more specifically within the Northumbrian chain (52-ABA-ab).

What does the Linguasphere code 52-ABA-bco represent, and how does it relate to other English varieties?

The code 52-ABA-bco represents the Norfolk traditional variety. It falls under the Anglo-English outer unit (52-ABA-b) and the Southern (British) traditional English chain (52-ABA-bc).

How does the Linguasphere system differentiate between Nigerian English and Nigerian Pidgin (Enpi)?

Nigerian English is coded as 52-ABA-cof, belonging to the Global English outer unit and the West-African English chain. Nigerian Pidgin, referred to as Enpi or NP, is coded as 52-ABB-bf, falling under the Anglo-Creole net and the West Coast Anglo-Creole chain.

In what practical context has the Linguasphere Register been applied, specifically concerning London's schoolchildren?

The Linguasphere Register and its linguascale framework have been practically applied as the referential system for surveys documenting the languages spoken by plurilingual children attending state schools in London.

What was the scope of the London schoolchildren language surveys conducted using the Linguasphere framework?

These surveys, edited in 2000 and 2010, identified over 200 languages other than English spoken by London's schoolchildren, representing nearly 40% of the total student population in the surveyed schools.

Describe the 'Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty' initiative.

This was a bilingual exhibition initiated by the Linguasphere Observatory in Paris in 1987. It explored how concepts of personal freedom evolved transnationally through the interaction of English and French, also acknowledging the historical contributions of languages like Greek and German.

Who were the sponsors of the 'Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty' exhibition?

The exhibition received sponsorship from the government of Canada, the international francophone Agence (ACCT), and the region of Haute-Normandie.

What significant historical artifact was displayed during the exhibition's presentation in Rouen?

During the exhibition's showing in Rouen, the Linguasphere Observatory organized the first public display of the sole surviving contemporary copy of England's Magna Carta written in 13th-century French.

In which countries outside of France was the 'Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty' exhibition presented?

Supported by Canada, the exhibition was subsequently presented in Belgium (at Liège), England (at the Commonwealth Institute in London), and Australia (at Old Parliament House, Canberra).

What future plans did the Linguasphere Observatory announce concerning the Magna Carta theme?

The Observatory announced its intention to revisit the transnational theme of Magna Carta in 2015, marking the 8th centenary of the signing of its formal Latin version at Runnymede.

What is the official motto of the Linguasphere Observatory, and when was it adopted?

The motto of the Linguasphere Observatory, adopted in 1990, is 'In the galaxy of languages, each person's voice is a star'. In French, it is 'Dans la galaxie des langues, la voix de chaque personne est une étoile'.

What philosophical context influenced the adoption of the Observatory's motto?

The motto was adopted following a series of debates held from 1990 to 1991 on the subject of 'Our languages and the unity of Europe' (Nos langues et l'unité de l'Europe), with André Martinet, a prominent linguist, as a guest of honour.

How did UNESCO adapt the Linguasphere Observatory's motto?

Starting around the year 2000, UNESCO adopted and adapted the Observatory's motto to the phrase 'In the galaxy of languages, each word is a star'.

What related topics are mentioned in the 'See also' sections of the article?

The 'See also' sections list related topics such as Language code, Ethnologue, and Language observatory.

Where can individuals access the Linguasphere Observatory's current research and reference materials online?

Free online access to the Linguasphere Observatory's current research and reference materials, including the complete Linguascale coding of the world's languages (LS-2010) and the original Linguasphere Register (LS-2000), is provided through their website (archived link: https://web.archive.org/web/20120614005015/http://www.linguasphere.info/).

What specific property is associated with the Linguasphere Observatory in Wikidata?

The Linguasphere Observatory is linked to the Wikidata property P1396, which is designated for the Linguasphere code.

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About the Observatory

Transnational Research Network

The Linguasphere Observatory, originally established as the Observatoire Linguistique in Quebec, is a non-profit, transnational research network. Its core mission is the systematic gathering, study, classification, editing, and free online distribution of comprehensive data concerning the world's languages and speech communities.

The Linguasphere Register

Central to its work is the development and maintenance of the Linguasphere Register. This is an updatable, indexed repository designed to catalogue and classify all living and recorded languages, providing a structured overview of global linguistic diversity.

Scholarly Foundation

Founded with a commitment to rigorous philological classification, the Observatory employs innovative frameworks to situate languages within a global referential system. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of linguistic relationships, both historical and geographical.

Historical Trajectory

Origins in Quebec

The Observatoire was established in Quebec in 1983. It was subsequently registered as a non-profit association in Normandy, France, under the distinguished honorary presidency of Léopold Sédar Senghor, a renowned poet and the first president of Senegal.

Key Figures and Locations

Led by its founding director, David Dalby (former director of the International African Institute), and initially supported by research secretary Philippe Blanchet (now Professor of Sociolinguistics), the Observatory has benefited from significant academic leadership. Since 2010, Pierrick le Feuvre has served as deputy director and webmaster, with Roland Breton (emeritus professor at the University of Paris VIII) chairing its research council. Its research hubs are currently based in Dyfed, Wales, and Normandy, France.

Welsh Identity

Reflecting its international scope and Welsh base, the Observatory's title in Welsh is Wylfa Ieithoedd, translating to "Observatory (of) languages." Its associated publishing program is known as Gwasg y Byd Iaith, meaning "Press (of) the World (of) Language."

The Linguascale Framework

A Hierarchical Coding System

The Linguascale framework provides a systematic, decimal-based coding structure for classifying languages and dialects. It aims to situate each linguistic entity within the global landscape of recorded languages, considering both historical lineage and geographical distribution.

Phylozones and Geozones

The framework utilizes a two-numeral linguasphere key (00-99) to denote primary classifications. The first numeral represents one of ten sectors (either phylosectors, grouping languages by historical descent, or geosectors, grouping by geography). The second numeral denotes one of ten zones within that sector, further categorized as phylozones or geozones based on the nature of linguistic relationships.

The distinction between phylozones and geozones is critical:

Phylozones group languages that share a common historical ancestor, reflecting genetic relationships akin to a family tree.
Geozones group languages based on their geographical proximity and potential for mutual influence, regardless of historical lineage. This acknowledges the impact of contact and diffusion in language evolution.

This dual approach allows for a comprehensive mapping of linguistic connections.

Sets, Chains, and Nets

Beyond the initial two-numeral key, the framework employs a three-capital-letter code (e.g., -AAA- to -ZZZ-) to refine classification. This structure represents divisions within each zone:

Sets: Represented by the first capital letter, these are broad groupings within a zone.
Chains: Represented by the second capital letter, these are finer subdivisions within a set.
Nets: Represented by the third capital letter, these are the most specific groupings within a chain.

The division into sets, chains, and nets is primarily based on the degree of linguistic proximity, often measured by the proportion of shared basic vocabulary.

Outer Units and Varieties

The final component of the linguasphere code uses up to three lowercase letters (e.g., aaa to zzz). This identifies specific linguistic entities:

Outer Unit: Represented by the first lowercase letter, this term is preferred over "language" or "dialect" to avoid emotive or politically charged applications. It denotes a distinct linguistic entity.
Inner Units & Varieties: Subsequent lowercase letters are used to code the internal subdivisions or specific varieties within an outer unit.

This granular coding system allows for precise identification and categorization of linguistic phenomena.

The Linguasphere Register

Foundational Publications

The Observatory published its seminal Linguasphere Register of the World's Languages and Speech Communities in two volumes between 1999 and 2000. This work provided the initial comprehensive classification and coding of global languages.

Online Database and Updates

Since 2010, the Observatory has prepared revised editions of the Register, with the LS-2010 edition being published online from 2011. This dynamic database, co-ordinated by David Dalby and Pierrick le Feuvre, is freely accessible and includes substantial materials from the original edition. It incorporates mechanisms for ongoing data contribution and scholarly discussion.

Access the Online Register 🔗

Language Coding Standards

Between 2001 and 2005, the Observatory collaborated with the British Standards Institution (BSI Group) and ISO/TC 37 on developing a four-letter (alpha-4) language code. While not directly associated with the final ISO 639-6 standard, the Observatory's ongoing work on language coding is intended to complement and support international standards like ISO 639.

Research Applications

Languages of London Survey

The Linguasphere Register has served as the referential framework for significant sociolinguistic studies, notably the surveys of over 200 languages spoken by multilingual schoolchildren in London. These studies, edited by Baker, Eversley, and others, highlight the practical application of the Observatory's classification system in understanding complex urban linguistic environments.

"Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty"

In 1987, the Observatory initiated a bilingual exhibition exploring the transnational development of concepts of personal freedom through the interaction of English and French, and other key languages like Greek and German. Inaugurated at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris in 1989, this exhibition traveled internationally, including presentations in Belgium, England, and Australia, underscoring the role of language in shaping societal values.

The "Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty" exhibition:

Traced the historical development of concepts of freedom through linguistic interaction.
Was sponsored by the Canadian government, the Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (ACCT), and the region of Haute-Normandie.
Was presented at significant cultural institutions, including the Centre Georges Pompidou (Paris), Palais des Congrès (Liège), Commonwealth Institute (London), and Old Parliament House (Canberra).
Featured the 13th-century French text of England's Magna Carta during its presentation in Rouen.
The Observatory planned to revisit the theme of Magna Carta in 2015 for its 8th centenary.

Guiding Philosophy

"Each Person's Voice is a Star"

Adopted in 1990, the Observatory's motto, "Dans la galaxie des langues, la voix de chaque personne est une étoile" (translated as "In the galaxy of languages, each person's voice is a star"), encapsulates its core philosophy. This guiding principle emerged from debates on the role of languages in European unity and emphasizes the intrinsic value and significance of every individual voice within the vast linguistic universe.

The motto was adopted following a series of debates organized by the Observatory in Fleury-sur-Andelle, Maillane, and Huy, focusing on "Our languages and the unity of Europe." The distinguished linguist André Martinet was a guest of honor at these discussions.

Notably, UNESCO later adopted and adapted this motto to "In the galaxy of languages, each word is a star," highlighting its resonance in promoting linguistic diversity and appreciation.

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References

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert linguistic consultation, academic research, or professional data analysis. Always refer to the official publications of the Linguasphere Observatory and consult with qualified academics or researchers for specific project needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Linguasphere Tapestry

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About the Observatory ℹ️

🌍 Transnational Research Network

📚 The Linguasphere Register

💡 Scholarly Foundation

Historical Trajectory 📜

🇨🇦 Origins in Quebec

🇬🇧🇫🇷 Key Figures and Locations

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Welsh Identity

The Linguascale Framework 🧩

🔢 A Hierarchical Coding System

🌳 Phylozones and Geozones

🕸️ Sets, Chains, and Nets

🗣️ Outer Units and Varieties

The Linguasphere Register 📚

📖 Foundational Publications

🌐 Online Database and Updates

📏 Language Coding Standards

Research Applications 🔬

🏙️ Languages of London Survey

🕊️ "Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty"

Guiding Philosophy ✨

⭐ "Each Person's Voice is a Star"

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About the Observatory

Transnational Research Network

The Linguasphere Register

Scholarly Foundation

Historical Trajectory

Origins in Quebec

Key Figures and Locations

Welsh Identity

The Linguascale Framework

A Hierarchical Coding System

Phylozones and Geozones

Sets, Chains, and Nets

Outer Units and Varieties

The Linguasphere Register

Foundational Publications

Online Database and Updates

Language Coding Standards

Research Applications

Languages of London Survey

"Langues de la Liberté / Languages of Liberty"

Guiding Philosophy

"Each Person's Voice is a Star"

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice