Language | |
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In the nineteenth century the Navajo people remained isolated. Families spoke Navajo; some elders were bilingual and spoke both Spanish and Navajo. Following the Mexican American War, the Unites States annexed the Southwest and English became a third language heard within the Navajo Nation. Since most Navajos live in remote isolated communities, most families spoke only Navajo. Following years of boarding school experiences many Navajos were distanced from their culture and language. In the 1980s, the issue of language became a hot topic in the educational establishments of the Navajo Nation. There were many who felt that the Navajo language and culture should be an integral part of the school curriculum. There were surveys of attitudes concerning the Navajo Tribe’s decision to implement the teaching of Navajo language and culture in all schools in the Navajo Nation. Survey Results: The survey indicated there was widespread support for teaching Navajo language and culture in schools and that they should be infused throughout the curriculum. Though many concerns were voiced, respondents were very consistent in stating that religious and ceremonial instruction were best left to be taught outside the school. However, Historian K. Tsianina Lomawaima asks the question, "Can we expect Indian children to 'succeed' in school as long as Indian history, cultures, and people are systematically excluded from, marginalized within, or brutalized by curricular content? (1995, p. 341). The Navajo tribe answered that question in 1984 when they mandated the addition of instruction in Navajo language and culture to the existing curriculum in elementary and secondary schools on the Navajo Reservation. Language
Loss: There has long been a concern
that Navajo children are losing contact with traditional Navajo culture,
beliefs, and language. Crawford (1996)
points out that in the mid-1970's ninety-five percent of all children
entering bilingual education programs in Rough Rock and Rock Point schools
were fluent Navajo speakers. Currently, statistics at those schools show
that only about half the students are Navajo
speakers. Public Law
101-477: Public Law 101-477, the Native American Languages Act, made it clear that "traditional languages of Native Americans are an integral part of their cultures and identities" and form the basis for cultural transmission and survival. The law goes on to say that there "is convincing evidence that student achievement and performance, community and school pride, and educational opportunity is [sic] clearly and directly tied to respect for, and support of, the first language of the child or student." The 1991 Final Report of the U.S. Secretary of Education's Indian Nations At-Risk Task Force also acknowledged that language is essential for cultural survival, and adds that a critical goal for the education of Native American students is to develop "civic, social, creative, and critical thinking skills necessary for ethical, moral, and responsible citizenship" (INARTF, Goal 5). Navajo Tribe's Language
and Culture Mandate
As part of a
larger study that will examine the changes in elementary and secondary
school curriculum under the Navajo Tribe's Language and Culture Mandate, a
preliminary survey involving members of the Navajo Nation in both New
Mexico and Arizona was conducted. The survey asked respondents to reflect
on the nature and depth of language and cultural studies that should be a
part of school curriculum. The survey focused on several key aspects of
language and culture instruction in schools. Language
Structure:
The
Navajo language is a tonal language which is very difficult to learn
unless exposed to it in childhood. Although it was initially an unwritten
language, it is now written and taught. As such, it is an “open” Native
American language. Some Native American languages are “closed” which
indicates that the tribe does not wish their language taught to
non-members of the tribe and the language is not written. The following is
a sample of the Navajo script. Navajo Code
Talkers: The Navajo language sounds so
incomprehensible that it was used as a secret code during World War II.
The Navajo Language was used as a successful military code to baffle the
Japanese. The code was never broken. For further information on Code
Talkers link on to…. Website created by
Darlene Anaya |
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