Apaches work to save language (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Apaches work to save language

Alamogordo Daily News
By Rene Romo, For the Associated Press
Posted: 11/11/2011 07:36:41 PM MST
USA

MESCALERO -- One word at a time, one student at a time, a group of
Mescalero Apaches and their partner, a New Mexico State University
anthropological linguist, are trying to stave off the demise of the
tribe's ancient tongue, the wellspring of its culture.

"Like one of the elders said, every step is sacred," said Oliver
Enjady, an artist and former Tribal Council member who is director of
Nde Bizaa, the tribe's language program. "This (language) was given to
us by the Creator for use by the Apaches. ... It's who you are, and
you can't change that. If this is lost, then what is your identity?"

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