ABSTRACT:

With such a large variety of languages in Papua New Guinea (PNG), great variation in orthographies is to be expected. In this presentation, I would like to elaborate on the general course of orthography development throughout PNG, particularly in the SIL International context of which I am most familiar. I will also focus on relevant issues in the two languages for which I have had the most influence on their orthographic development, as well as other languages for which I have had some additional involvement. It is important to consider which issues are common, in addition to those that are unique and what are the most salient motivating factors in how these orthographies are developed, especially as a language community seeks to maintain their identity in an ever-expanding globalised world.

Attendance is in person at The Cairns Institute Room D3-003 or by Zoom
To attend by zoom, please contact Nathan White