First Language usage has diminished in many First Nations communities. Being only one generation away from language extinction has prompted a concerted effort to re-introduce first language use in a dynamic way.
February 21st is International Mother Language Day and in many First Nations communities, first language use is so diminished that only a few elders speak their mother tongue fluently. Being only one generation away from language extinction has prompted a concerted effort to find ways to transfer that knowledge and re-introduce first language in a dynamic way to children and youth. This is a great challenge in a world of 21st century mass media.
Our World, the project that inspired this dossier, enables young people to make their first language relevant to them by applying it to stories they create with contemporary media.
Can you relate to this situation? Do you have ideas or opinions to share? Upload your media and comment HERE!
Brothers David and Anton Treuer are members of the Ojibwe nation from the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota. They are working to preserve the Ojibwe language, one of the few Native American languages in use.
In this interview with NPR's Fresh Air, David and Anton discuss the unique aspects of the Ojibwe language and the importance of keeping it alive.
Comments
Post new comment