One Fun Tool in a Large Toolkit: Facebook as a tool for revitalisation of endangered First Nations languages in British Columbia

First Nations languages in Canada are at risk of extinction with UNESCO identifying that there are 32 endangered languages in British Columbia alone, ranging from vulnerable to critical level (Moseley, 2010). In this technology fuelled 21st century it is imperative that new, innovative ways of preserving these languages are considered. This presentation is on a dissertation that sets out to answer the overarching question of ‘Can Facebook function as a tool for revitalisation of endangered First Nations languages in British Columbia, Canada?’. In order to answer this question three research questions were identified and answered; ‘Is Facebook an appropriate platform that holds capacity to be useful as a tool for language revitalisation?’, ‘Are speakers and learners of Indigenous languages in favour of Facebook being used as a tool?’ and ‘Would Facebook’s usefulness as a tool for language revitalisation be restricted to younger members of the community?’. The empirical data presented in this dissertation was collected through the means of an online survey to Indigenous language learners and speakers in British Columbia. The results indicate that Facebook does indeed have the capacity to function as a tool for language. However, the appropriateness of Facebook as a platform for the language should be determined on a case by case basis. Furthermore, statistical analysis carried out on the data showed that there was no significant difference in age group membership and usage and attitudes of Indigenous language on Facebook. The hope is that this research will help spread light on potential effective routes for future revitalisation efforts for endangered Indigenous languages in Canada.