Linguistics of an Indigenous Language
Master of Arts
This is a cohort program that is offered when resources allow. Students receive training for careers as language researchers, educators, and material developers, gaining expertise in communicative skills, language documentation and analysis of a particular Indigenous language. Emphasis is placed on the language in its socio-cultural and educational setting. The learning model integrates Indigenous Ways of Knowing with linguistic analysis and documentation, featuring mentorship and participation in projects in addition to formal lectures and paper writing. Courses are taught by teams of Elders and knowledge holders, and academic experts on the language.
The program is offered through a combination of SFU campus and Indigenous community-based course modules. In order to accommodate the work schedules of participants who are language teachers in public schools, or who are otherwise fully employed, courses will be offered in late afternoons, evening and during summer breaks, in concentrated modules during fall and spring terms.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. In addition, applicants must be proficient speakers of the language (as assessed by a panel of speakers or community-appointed experts), or be advanced learners who have, at minimum completed the SFU Certificate in First Indigenous Language Proficiency or equivalent with a CGPA of at least 3.0. Also admissible are students who have completed a BA or BEd and have studied both the language and some linguistics. Individuals who have not completed a bachelor’s degree may be considered for admission if they have completed at least three courses (for a minimum of 12 units) in the Graduate Certificate in the Linguistics of an Indigenous Language with a CGPA of at least 3.0.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work and project or a thesis for a minimum of 32 units.
Students must complete all of
LING 830 - Phonetics and Phonology of an Indigenous Language (4)
LING 831 - Morphology and Syntax of an Indigenous Language (4)
LING 832 - Narrative and Discourse Structure of an Indigenous Language (4)
LING 833 - Sociocultural and Cognitive Aspects of an Indigenous Language (4)
LING 834 - Effective Pedagogies and Materials Development for Indigenous Language (4)
LING 890 - Graduate Seminar I (1)
LING 891 - Graduate Seminar II (1)
and project
LING 893 - Indigenous Linguistics MA Project (6)
or a thesis
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four to six terms.
Other Information
Project Option
The Indigenous Linguistics MA Project is examined by two examiners. A student who fails may be permitted a second attempt. Students present the project at a final MA cohort project symposium and submit their projects to the library.
Examples of suitable projects are: a linguistic analysis of some aspect of the language, the production and presentation of a video that documents use of the language; a digital media project that integrates visual, audio and textual resources in the language; an educational module for teaching the language; a museum exhibit that incorporates the language, or an annotated narrative or set of narratives transcribed, glossed and translated into English.
Thesis Option
The MA Thesis complies with GGR 1.9-1.11 including submission to the library. Students also present the thesis research at a final MA cohort project symposium.