Resolution on language archiving

The Linguistic Society of America recently approved the following resolution on the archiving of language documentation:

"In recognition of the fact that many language resources, especially those documenting endangered languages, are irreplaceable, the LSA recommends that all irreplaceable language resources, whether physical or digital in nature, be deposited in an appropriate preservation archive; that is, an institution with a commitment to permanence."

"The LSA further recommends that digital resources conform to best practices as described by the E-MELD (Electronic Metastructures for Endangered Languages Data) School of Best Practices (http://emeld.org/school/) and that linguists seeking an appropriate preservation archive for their materials consult the list of archives participating in the Digital Endangered Languages and Musics Archives Network (DELAMAN) as given on the DELAMAN web site (http://delaman.org/)."

While this may seem a small step, it is actually a major achievement given that the LSA has tended to promote theoretical research in linguistics while ignoring the fate of languages themselves. Hopefully this resolution will encourage a renewed appreciation of language documentation.