Linguistic Silence: Reflections on Duolingo, Indigenous Languages, and a Broken Promise

• In Event: Perspectives on Teachers, Students, and Schooling Processes

Abstract

In the Vulnerable Observer, Ruth Behar (1996) writes that the most difficult task in ethnography is the moment when the researcher returns home and attempts to “resurrect” the “ethnographic moment” via writing (p.9). The goal with this talk is to share not my vulnerability as a researcher, but to be honest with the ways in which I failed the community I worked with. This year’s theme is “The Power and Possibilities for the Public Good.” This talk concentrates on “power” and broken possibilities. The goal of this talk is to share reflections on researcher positionality and responsibility as well as a call for linguistic need.

Author

• Lydia A Saravia, DePaul University