What is the difference between preserving language and revitalizing language?

Short Answer #

Preservation protects language knowledge. Revitalization helps create opportunities for people to learn, speak, and use the language.

Expanded Answer #

These two concepts are closely related but not identical.

Preservation
Preservation focuses on protecting language resources.

Examples include:

• Recordings
• Dictionaries
• Stories
• Archives

Preservation helps ensure knowledge survives.

Revitalization
Revitalization focuses on increasing language use.

Examples include:

• Education
• Immersion programs
• Community learning
• Curriculum development
• Language nests
• Family language initiatives

Preservation creates foundations. Revitalization builds upon those foundations. Both are important. One protects the language. The other helps the language live. The strongest language programs typically invest in both.