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.

•

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