2003 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
The Kosraean (Micronesia) Dictionary and Curriculum Development Project
| Project/Area Number |
13571023
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 海外学術 |
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| Research Field |
文化人類学(含民族学・民俗学)
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| Research Institution | Shonan Institute of Technology |
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Principal Investigator |
HOUGH D.a. HOUGH,D.a., 工学部, 教授 (50322540)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
HONDA Hirohiko Shonan Institute of Technology, Engineering Dept., Lecturer, 工学部, 講師 (90339797)
MAYBIN Don Shonan Institute of Technology, Engineering Dept., Asst Prof., 工学部, 助教授 (60269644)
NAGASAWA Kaya Shonan Institute of Technology, Engineering Dept., Professor, 工学部, 教授 (20180474)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2001 – 2003
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| Keywords | endangered languages / indigenous peoples / ethnography / Micronesia / Kosrae / Kosraean / dictionary development / education |
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| Research Abstract |
The Kosrae Dictionary and Curriculum Development Project was initiated by researchers at Shonan Institute of Technology (SIT) at the request of the Department of Education (DOE), Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). In keeping with FSM national language planning policy, the aim of the project was to help preserve Kosraean language and culture by collecting data which could be used to produce first language literacy materials for the public schools. SIT researchers and DOE representatives began by setting up a Working Group of community leaders who recommended the following :
(1) that the project to be community based, involving as many interested Kosraeans as possible ;
(2) that materials be developed in a bottom-up fashion, starting with the lower elementary school grades and gradually moving up through high school ;
(3) that first priority be give to the development of dictionaries in the first language for use in the school ;
(4) that the 1973 revised Kosraean orthography
… More
be used as the standard for spelling.
Based on the above, material was first collected from elementary school students for the development of a Kosraean language picture dictionary, intended for first and second graders. Following this, a frequency list of approximately 2,000 words used in Kosraean language elementary school readers was employed in developing a junior dictionary. SIT researchers collected and analyzed the data and helped Kosraeans prepare it for publication. Final publication was completed by SIT students in the Department of System and Communication Engineering. In addition t the two dictionaries, two CD ROMs have also been developed to teach Kosraean spelling conventions. Finally, a great deal of video and audio material based on oral histories and traditions have been collected for future use in developing Kosraean curricula.
Reports on the project have been made at various domestic and international conferences, including UNESCO. Initial response from individuals and groups representing indigenous peoples has been very positive. Less
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