Post on 24-Dec-2015
Language Revitalization
Presentation byLauren Jose
History of Languages, Different Languages of California
• Ethnocide; many children taken from Native American families and put in boarding schools were forced to speak English and were forbidden to speak their own language.
• Told it was impolite to speak their own language, also punished for speaking their language
• 1940: Benjamin Lee Whorf’s theory about power of language over mind.
• Native American languages prevented speakers from visualizing reality as opposed to “normal” people.
Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival
• Organization dedicated to supporting the revitalization of indigenous California languages
• Past Workshops• Funders and participants
Joe Coto
• Retired member of the California State Assembly
• Established an eminence credential for Native American speakers to be taught in California’s schools.
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Master-Apprentice Model
• No english• “Make yourself understood with nonverbal
communication”• Teach in complete sentences and using
conversations• Aim for real communication within the
language• “Language is culture”
Master-Apprentice Model (cont.)
• Focus on the speaking aspect as opposed to the written aspect of the language
• Find activities the master and apprentice can do together
• Use audio and videotapes• Being an active learner
Different Tribes investing in Language Revitalization
• Pechanga• San Manuel• Kumeyaay, Yuman tribes along the Colorado
River• Sauk
Songs of the Colorado
• http://vimeo.com/16852439