A dying language (fwd)

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A dying language
Lecture on endangered Navajo language shows cultural importance

Madeleine Leroux
Issue date: 11/13/07
http://media.www.siude.com/media/storage/paper1096/news/2007/11/13/Campus/A.Dying.Language-3095323.shtml

The Navajo language is disappearing.

As part of Native American Heritage Month, assistant anthropology professor
Anthony Webster lectured on the endangered Navajo language, analyzing
portions of a performance by Navajo poet Laura Tohe, who came to SIUC in
October 2006.

Webster discussed the importance of Navajo language and its connection to
the values and beliefs held by the Navajo people.

"The Navajo language is deeply connected to the Navajo worldview," Webster
said.

Tohe spoke of language as a way to become intimate with the Navajo
philosophy, Webster said - but the language is in trouble.

"Navajo language has recently been described as an endangered language,"
Webster said.

During Tohe's visit, she spoke of punishments received on her reservation
for speaking Navajo in school. The assimilation era, she said, tried to
beat the native languages out.

Webster said suppression of Navajo language during the assimilation era is a
link to the now endangered state of Navajo language.

"It clearly taps into a wider discourse on fairness and equality," Webster
said.

Navajo communities have the largest amount of speakers, Webster said, but
they are all 45 years old or older. There's an entire generation of young
Navajos who don't speak their language, he said.

Lisa Kang, a community member of the Native American Student Organization,
said dying native languages also show the dying culture of indigenous
people.

"Language is tied to culture," Kang said. "It's a fight to keep indigenous
languages."

If Navajo language is endangered, Webster said, then all other indigenous
languages are also endangered.

"Navajo has an essential place in the history of the United States," Webster
said.

Used as code in World War II, Webster and Tohe speak of Navajo language as
being used to save America, but is now in need of saving.

Madeleine Leroux can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 254 or mleroux at siu.edu.