Understanding how language revitalisation works: a realist synthesis

Indigenous communities, linguists, teachers, and language activists have been developing methods to revitalise endangered languages over several decades. Not only are these diverse, they usually implemented in various ways according local needs aspirations. Language revitalisation focus on proficiency, but there is also interest strengthening identity, resilience, wellbeing. Aside from a handful of successes, programs may not be achieving desired outcomes. One could try evaluate specific programs. However, we believe that necessary first step examine published literature efforts develop initial understandings how work. In particular, seek understand tap into the speech community, participation affects outcomes, this involvement supported sustained by external programs, with Australia. We conduct realist synthesis, through analysis 125 pieces literature, identify 13 theories. analysing theories, two major gaps our understanding revitalisation: work strengthen communities promote commitment. propose as significant, under-theorised elements successful which can guide exploration at level individual