Brasil

This is a report of a sociolinguistic survey of the Fulni-ô reserve in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Language development work with the Fulni-ô was being considered. We observed language use to determine the likelihood of it being maintained in the future. Our methods included observation, questions, and low key, informal proficiency/comprehension testing. The research findings suggest that the Fulni-ô prefer to express their identity with religion and dance rather than with their language.

(This survey conducted some time ago deserves to be made available even at this late date. Conditions were such that it was not published when originally written. The reader is cautioned that more recent research may be available elsewhere. Historical data are quite valuable as they provide a basis for a longitudinal analysis and help us understand both the trajectory and pace of change as compared with more recent studies.—Editor)