Language Learning and Literacy Development in the Field

Linguistic fieldworkers undertake the highly challenging task of entering a new community, often one with which they have no previous experience, and documenting the local language. While there is a good deal of discussion in the literature about the various issues related to fieldwork (methodology, technology, field site, ethics, etc.), much less attention is paid to two important aspects of applied linguistics that relate directly to fieldwork: language learning and community literacy. This article makes the argument that linguists who engage with language learning and literacy development in their own practice will enjoy improved outcomes for both themselves and their host community. The current literature on language learning theory is then reviewed, with a particular view to how this knowledge can be applied to the field. Recent publications on literacy theory and practice are also appraised in a similar fashion.