Speaker

Dr Floris Solleveld (University of Bristol)

Chair

Dr Sig Sønnesyn

Abstract

Along with spreading the dubious benefits of ‘Commerce, Christianity, and Civilization’, 19^th-century missionary networks introduced new forms of language into the languages of Indigenous and colonized peoples. Bible translation created a new, artificial prestige register, which both drew upon and conflicted with extant prestige registers and oral or written literary traditions. In my talk I will discuss three examples of these dynamics: the Māori language and its highly organized oral tradition; the complex linguistic, cultural, and religious patchwork of Dutch Indonesia; and the Surinamese Creole language Sranan. 

The talk will be followed by a Q&A and a small reception of drinks and nibbles.