The 2025-2026 Linguistics Colloquium series continues on Monday, April 20, with a talk by Carly Tex (Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival) titled "Strength in Strands: Weaving As a Way of Reflecting on Community Language Revitalization." The talk will take place in Dwinelle 370 and synchronously via Zoom from 3:10-4:30pm, and the abstract is as follows:
This presentation uses the traditional cultural practice of basketweaving as a conceptual framework to analyze the social and emotional fibers required for language survival. Drawing on the work of the Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival (AICLS), specifically highlighting footage from the Language Keepers project in partnership with Emergence Magazine and Kalliopeia Foundation, the presenter explores the vital strands of revitalization, centering the lived experiences and stories of community members involved in the reclaiming, maintenance and restoration of the diverse languages of California. The strength of a language project, like weaving, requires strong community connections and time, involving multiple generations in order to sustain it. This talk illustrates that the durability of a language project depends on the health and sustainability of those involved. Like a basket, the beauty is in the details.
This session uses the metaphor of cordage-making, a skill of basketweaving, to explore the social and emotional fibers required for language and cultural survival. Participants will engage in a hands-on weaving exercise, creating a physical representation of collective action that twines linguistic knowledge, intergenerational healing, and interpersonal partnerships.