Linguistic Exogamy in the Amazon and in Canada
Because linguistic exogamy is a complex phenomenon, the concept has been critized for not clarifying the language practices associated with it. Indeed, superficial differences can lead to overlooking parallels found in documented cases like the Amazon and Canada. However, comparing the two situations underlines the anthropological value of the concept, in particular regarding challenging behaviors that are more easily discarded for the sake of descriptive coherence. I argue individuals must temporarily abandon one of their languages to ensure its long term preservation. The mechanisms relied upon to do so appear counter productive, if analysed in a short term perspective. Even if challenging, the analysis of linguistic exogamy provides key elements about the cultural dynamics underlying language maintenance. It becomes clear then linguistic exogamy can contribute to counter the predominant discourse in anthropology and linguistics according to which so many languages are bound to disappear shortly, even when they don’t.