Extinction looms for Yukon languages: report (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Extinction looms for Yukon languages: report

Last Updated Thu, 09 Sep 2004 15:38:31 EDT
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/09/09/yukon_language040909.html

WHITEHORSE - At least two First Nations languages in the Yukon are on
the verge of extinction and more will follow unless something is done,
according to a new study by Yukon's Aboriginal Language Services.

The report's conclusions, which come after years of work and fluency
assessments, says the Han and Tagish languages are in the most dire
state, with only a few true speakers remaining. At least eight
languages are indigenous to the Yukon.

Two out of 10 aboriginal people are learning their native language,
mostly through informal means such as on hunting trips in the bush and
during traditional activities instead of in the classroom.

Parts of the report describe the current situation as "shocking" and
says there is a lack of strategic planning between all levels of
government and the First Nations.

Cheryl McLean, the director of Aboriginal Language Services, was one of
the authors of the two-volume report.

"Some distressing news out of the reports is that the parent generation,
or those people 25- to 44-years-old, their language skills are
extremely weak and language not being used in the home," she said.

"If we have two generations of non-speakers, our languages are dead."

McLean said change needs to happen and it needs to happen quickly, if
languages are to survive.

"It's not just for potlatches, it's not just for prayers," she said. "We
have to attach functional importance."

Despite the difficulties, McLean said she is optimistic. She said young
people want to learn their language.

"When asked...eight out of 10 aboriginal people want to learn their
language," said McLean.

She said it's now up to First Nations to take this report seriously and
look at ways to bring those languages back from the brink.

Written by CBC News Online staff