THE LINGUISTS UK Premiere 7-8:30pm 7th May 2008

THE LINGUISTS UK Premiere 7-8:30pm 7th May 2008
A Documentary by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger
Official Selection 2008 Sundance Film Festival

Khalili Lecture
School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square, London


Researchers estimate that there are 7,000 languages spoken across the world, and half are threatened with extinction by the end of this century. On average, one language disappears every two weeks.

THE LINGUISTS follows David Harrison and Gregory Anderson, scientists racing to document languages on the verge of extinction. David and Greg’s round-the-world journey takes them deep into the heart of the cultures, knowledge, and communities at stake.

In Siberia, David and Greg seek to record the Chulym language, which hasn’t been heard by outsiders for more than thirty years. The linguists encounter remnants of the racist Soviet regime that may have silenced Chulym for good.

In India, tribal children attend boarding schools, where they learn Hindi and English, a trade, and the pointlessness of their native tongues. Similar boarding schools for tribal children existed in the US through most of the twentieth century. David and Greg travel to the children’s villages, where economic unrest has stirred a violent Maoist insurgency. The linguists witness the fear and poverty that have driven youth from their native communities.

In Bolivia, the Kallawaya language has survived for centuries with fewer than one hundred speakers. David and Greg trek high into the Andes to unlock its secret.

THE LINGUISTS is a presentation of Ironbound Films, Inc. It is produced and directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger.


This UK Premiere screening is free and open to all. Prof David Harrison who is featured in the film will introduce it and answer questions from the audience after the showing. Seats are limited and will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

THE LINGUISTS is being shown during Endangered Languages Week 30th April to 8th May at SOAS. For more information about the film and other Endangered Languages Week activities visit our website at www.hrelp.org or email: elap@soas.ac.uk