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Makihara on Rapa Nui
Posted on behalf of Chloe:
Miki Makihara has a very interesting argument that she displays at the beginning of her essay. Yes, it is true that she proposes the idea that the native language of Rapa Nui has dissipated, but even more specifically, she provides a counter argument to that which states that "languages tend to exhibit declining variability under the dominating influence of a spreading language" (Makihara, 50).
Makihara discusses the two main forms of language that exist on the island : syncretic and purist forms. The syncretic form has become somewhat more dominant throughout the society, displaying a blend of spanish and the native rapa nui language. She seems to take a bit of a more optimistic approach by saying that this native language has greatly expanded through the spanish influence (and become more complex), as opposed to portraying this change in language as the extinguishment of the its native roots. She introduces the term of 'linguistic registers', which is defined as various linguistic patterns that are linked to socio-political aspects of society, such as occupations or professions (Trudgill, 1983).
Overall, her argument creates a positive image for language change, one which portrays this alteration as a contributor to developing societies. Despite the positive aspects of these newly adapted forms of language, the people of rapa nui still have many rights that they are attempting to gain back since the invasion of the peruvians and chileans, and ultimately the annexation of the country in 1888.
According to Makihara, current political activists in Rapa Nui are attempting to reintegrate the indigenous rapa nui language more into the modern syncretic form, part of the attempt to preserve and revive native traditions. Although new developments on the island such as air travel, have greatly benefitted its people, many currently want to focus on the revitalization of the culture, and decrease the use of the acquired heterogenous language.
More information on the term 'Linguistic Register' can be found here :
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/messeas/regrep/node2.html
A timeline of the changes on the island can also be found at this site:
http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/pacific/rapanuipre1862.html
It is interesting how the Spanish and Rapa Nui languages have been combined into a syncretic form. I would be curious to hear what that sounds like. As I mention on an earlier comment, instead of attempting to revert to pre-occupation ways, it may be easier for the Rapa Nui to integrate more of the purist language into the syncretic form so that the purist language gains more exposure. However, I could understand why the Rapa Nui would want to push for language/culture revitalization, because it is imperative to their survival. If it is not revitalized, the language could potentially die out and the culture could end up being absorbed by a more "heterogenous" culture. This is very similar to the efforts of revitalizing Hawaiian language and the efforts to keep kanaka maoli in charge of Hawaiian affairs, instead of having non-Hawaiians in charge. In the case of the Rapa Nui, any Rapa Nui affairs need to be governed by the native people to avoid having any outside manipulation.
ReplyDeleteThe situation in Rapa Nui is similar to the dominant effect that English is having in the rest of the world. In most cultures a mixture of their native language and English is required to functions especially as technology (e.g mobile phones, computer, social networking sites, internet) brings the world closer together and in societies where tourism is a source of income.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Miki's dissection of the two variations of Rapa Nui, I do believe that the purist form is required if the Chilean government is to take Rapa Nui seriously with their demands.
Miki really brings up strong points about syncretism. I believe syncretism is present all around us and that it is unavoidable. The situation in Rapa Nui with the native language mixing with the Spanish language is just one example of syncretism. Whatever country has the greater impact on the society, culture, or even people, their two languages will definitely mix and combine. But globally, I believe that English in the dominant language in the world and is syncretic to all the language because every culture speaks some or little english.
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