Young families breathe new life into American Indian languages (fwd link)

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Young families breathe new life into American Indian languages

By Stephen Magagnini
smagagnini at sacbee.com

Published: Sunday, Sep. 6, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 1B
USA

Long-dormant California Indian languages and cultures are enjoying a renaissance
among American Indians, and no one embodies that more than the Ramirez family.

"Our daughter's first words were 'Utha, Utha,' which means mom in Miwok," said
her father, Petee Ramirez, as he cradled his 4-month old son, Ahumate – bear in
Miwok.

Ramirez and his wife, Jennifer – whose bloodline comes from several California
Indian nations – joined more than 200 other native people and linguists this
weekend at the Language Is Life Conference 2009 at the University of
California, Davis. The gathering showcased indigenous languages, which are
fading as elders pass on.

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