Julia Sallabank

Julia Sallabank is a Professor of Language Policy and Revitalisation at SOAS University of London, affiliated with the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics and the Department of Linguistics. With a PhD from Lancaster University, her work focuses on endangered languages, particularly in contexts of revitalisation, policy, and sociolinguistics. She has secured significant funding, including an AHRC/CHASE grant for a collaborative PhD studentship on Sylheti multilingualism in Tower Hamlets.

Her research expertise spans multilingualism, sociolinguistics, linguistic ethnography, and endangered language maintenance. Notable projects include collaborations in Thailand, New Zealand, Fiji, and Croatia, as well as long-term work with Guernsey’s endangered Norman language since 2000. She co-supervises interdisciplinary doctoral work, including projects on Ainu revitalisation with the Music department.

Recent publications (2024–2021) address linguistic diversity, language policy critiques, and community-based revitalisation strategies. Earlier work (2002–2013) explores Guernsey French, language attitudes, and policy dynamics in small island communities. Her interdisciplinary interests include links between language and wellbeing, gender, and development.

Professional activities include editing major works like Revitalizing Endangered Languages: A Practical Guide (2021) and Cambridge Handbook of Endangered Languages (2011). She contributes to global debates on language revitalisation methodologies and ethical documentation practices.