Standard Language or Local Varieties? — Ainu Views on Standardization
Presenter(s)
Silja Ijas
Affiliation
Hokkaido University
Topic
Linguistic Attitudes and Ideology
Type
Papers
Abstract
Ainu—the indigenous people of Hokkaido and surrounding areas—have been reclaiming and revitalizing their language for four decades. However, the number of speakers is not increasing due to factors such as discrimination, lack of spaces for use, and limited learning resources. The existence of multiple local varieties further stretches these scarce resources, leading both Ainu and non-Ainu researchers to propose a standardized Ainu to facilitate learning and optimize resource use.
But how do common Ainu feel about standardization? This study explores Ainu perspectives on creating a standardized version and the motivations behind their views. Based on semi-structured interviews with 15 Ainu collaborators in Biratori town (March 2024–January 2025), the research reveals that Ainu do not see standardization as necessary or desirable. While some do not oppose the idea outright, they question who would use it, as revitalization efforts focus on preserving local varieties, which Ainu take great pride in. Others strongly resist standardization, seeing it as a threat to their ancestral dialects and an unmotivating way to engage with the language.
The ideology of standard language dominates academic thought on language revitalization, with researchers often treating standardization as an inevitable step. However, this clashes with Ainu perspectives on how their language should be preserved and learned. For revitalization to succeed, it must be led by its (potential) speakers. Since standardization lacks community support, this study argues that researchers and advocates should respect Ainu wishes in shaping their language’s future and, as part of decolonizing the language, stop promoting a standardized version.
