Linguistic planning and maintenance

the construction of the Xikrín do Cateté language writing system

Abstract

In this study, we describe the steps involved in the elaboration of the written system of the Xikrín do Cateté language and a book to help the children to get the Xikrín writing system and develop literacy practices in their native language during the classes in village schools. These actions of linguistic planning aim at the maintenance of the Xikrín do Cateté language and culture. This people speak a variety of Kayapó language, belonging to the Jê family, Macro-Jê Stock (RODRIGUES, 1986). Xikrín people currently live in three villages, Cateté, the largest and the oldest one, with approximately 900 inhabitants, Djudjêkô with approximately 500 inhabitants, is 18 km from the Cateté village and Ô'odjãm, the youngest and smallest one, with a population estimated at 150 people, is located on the left bank of the river Cateté. The shortage of didactic material in the indigenous language is to some extent due to the absence of a writing system for the Xikrín language. The construction of such a system can enable the creation of literature in the indigenous language to guarantee a bilingual, differentiated and specific teaching that strengthens its language and its ancient culture. It is noteworthy that the writing system proposed here is founded in phonological criteria, without, however, disregarding political criteria that respect the autonomy of the Xikrín in the choice of symbols representative of the phonemes in their language.