that munanga linguist

The other day a discussion topic came through via email about 'supporting community researchers in the field'. The discussion topic was introduced as: The ways that linguists work with communities is starting to change. The idea of doing research on or in a community is shifting to doing research with the community. The movement towards community-based and participatory fieldwork models in Linguistics mirrors shifts in other disciplines such as health research. Okay, I know the above was just a quick way to introduce the topic but it tapped into a bigger issue and I felt the need to write the following... *steps up on to soapbox*  Disclaimer: I'm not criticising the many of us who do linguistic fieldwork and try our best (often with great success) to increase local involvement, exchange skills and knowledge and so on. Nor am I criticising the organisations who do deliver great training and do great community-based work. Nor am I implying that this is a redundant

Half of Australia, including me, was stuck in a mega-heatwave last week. It was really hot. Like, really hot. I just kept thinking that it's global warming, it's the way of the future and that we're bringing this upon ourselves. But I also kept thinking of all the ways we can use less energy and carbon. I know our individual contributions will barely make a difference, but you gotta start somewhere. Here's what I came up with (I already try to do lots of these, but of course lapse very easily): - Waste less food. - Drink tap water. - Turn more lights off. - Use a little car instead of a big car. - Use a scooter instead of a car. - Use a bike instead of a powered vehicle. - Walk. - Travel in groups more. - Use public transport more. - Travel less. - Go on holidays to nearby destinations. (Domestic travel FTW!) - Use the aircon less. - Don't turn the aircon down too low - Drive with the windows down instead of with aircon on. - Turn appliances and devi