The UNM Linguistics Department and the Navajo Language Program host a special daylong tribute to the late internationally renowned linguist, Kenneth Hale, Saturday, March 8, in the UNM Kiva Lecture Hall. Hale spent most of his life working with American Indian scholars and language experts, helping them develop dictionaries, research in their languages and teaching students and elders about their languages.
Photo: Kenneth Hale
His students will present papers in his honor. UNM’s visiting professor, Paul Platero, is among those who studied under Hale. Platero, along with other native Navajo speakers, will present their research and findings.
Sherman Wilcox, chair, linguistics, said, “This is one of the best events to happen on campus following the passing of Robert Young, UNM emeritus, who, along with William Morgan, produced several Navajo dictionaries.”
UNM Press publishes the dictionaries. “Navajo language instruction spans more than 30 years at UNM. It is now time to expand and grow the program and give it status,” Wilcox said. With that goal in mind, Wilcox brought Platero into the program this year.
“The research papers presented at this workshop – and many others – are being prepared for publication in an issue of the International Journal of American Linguistics,” Theodore Fernald, Swarthmore College, said. Fernald is heading the workshop.
For a complete workshop schedule visit: Ken Hale Workshop
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at March 6, 2008 05:49 PM