Mashantucket Pequots Seek To Reclaim, Preserve Language (fwd link)

[phil cash cash]

Mashantucket Pequots Seek To Reclaim, Preserve Language
Tribe's children are keys to reviving ancient tongue

By Heather Allen - Published on 2/17/2008

Mashantucket -- As Charlene Jones tells it, the future of her tribe's culture
and language rests with its children. Their minds are like little sponges, able
to soak up the ancient and, to them, very foreign language spoken by their
ancestors.

But ask these tiny vehicles of cultural change about their significant role in
preserving their heritage and they'll tell you its just part of being a member
of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.

“It's important because it's our language, and a lot of people know their
language,” said Na'Shya Carter, 10. “I think it's important for me to know my
language, too.”

Simple as that.

To access full article, just follow the link below:
http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=29a86d79-8293-4b5a-b0f7-d20fc3a48593