“Indigenous Languages Must Be Reactivated in the American Schools”

Abstract 

The abstract for "Indigenous Languages Must Be Reactivated in the American Schools" discusses the importance of revitalizing indigenous languages in American educational institutions. It highlights the historical context of language loss among indigenous communities due to colonization and assimilation policies. The abstract emphasizes the significance of language in preserving cultural identity, promoting intergenerational transmission of knowledge, and fostering community cohesion. It argues that incorporating indigenous languages into school curricula can serve as a means of rectifying historical injustices and promoting linguistic diversity. The abstract concludes by emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between indigenous communities, educators, policymakers, and linguists to ensure the successful reactivation of indigenous languages in American schools.

Introduction 

Why is it important to protect indigenous languages?

This research and assignment too me is personal, as well for edification. The subject matter has always been somewhat not to clear as to why so much mystery surrounds this part of American history. When the very native people of this land, languages was preserved. As I mentioned in my research paper of my personal connection to this very subject. 

It’s part of my history as well to learn as much as possible about my heritage and the words that was spoken and the deeper meaning behind those words, and the impact of the importance. Lets just think about it for a moment, how would you feel if you were the only person left in the world who spoke your native language? It seems unthinkable…but today when it comes to most natives Americans their lost in the midst of their own phenomenon…not not their own mother tongue, as the same goes for most African Americans, they are lost to their own mother tongues as well. It’s approximately around 4,000 Indigenous languages, whereas there’s over 7,000 known languages throughout the world, as you can see, the majority of the languages known too man, indigenous languages make up the majority, that’s why it is important to me too do the research and, pushed for and reactivation of those indigenous languages. 

I personally narrowed down this dilemma to merely dominant cultures, such as the European races superiority factoring in or even the coercion to abandon minority languages for fear of those individuals indigenous peoples using their own beliefs, cultural, and languages too become free of the dominants of their captivators. 

I can only imagine how anyone would feel for a moment about a time you felt like an outsider among people who spoke a foreign language. Besides the more obvious difficulties of not being able to express yourself in those circumstances. I feel somewhat like the native Americans about ostracized when it comes to another peoples social and cultural differences. 

My personal connections to this experiences are. Furthermore, personally, my maternal and paternal, grandparents was of the Cherokee nations. One of the them hailed from the northern region of Florida’s coastal area, and father’s mother was from the northern part of the “South Carolina” region. This is where the important parts comes into play, I feel as though that there’s a missing part of heritage, not even known other than the bits of pieces that was mentioned we I was very young. Not much was talk about in any given details. So much is a mystery surrounding that part of heritage, for at this time on a journey, to try to piece together as much as I can through research on those times when it comes too my people and what they where like and the parts of history that I can only imagine. I feel as though who can be a better spokesman’s than I can through my infinite wisdom and intuitive indigenous connections through spiritual ancestors. It’s encumbered of me and legacy, to preserve and protect future generations, and dying breed of the languages my ancestors spoke.

Collegiate Research Journals and Studies 

While I cannot provide specific collegiate research, journals, or studies on the topic "Indigenous Languages Must Be Reactivated in the American Schools," I can suggest some potential sources and avenues for further exploration:

1. Academic databases: Utilize comprehensive academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or Academic Search Complete to search for scholarly articles, research papers, and studies related to indigenous languages, language revitalization, and language education in the American school system. Keywords to consider include "indigenous languages," "language revitalization," "language education," and "American schools."

2. Indigenous language organizations and initiatives: Explore the websites and publications of organizations and initiatives dedicated to indigenous language revitalization, such as the Indigenous Language Institute, the National Indian Education Association, or the Endangered Languages Project. These sources often provide access to research, reports, and studies on the topic.

3. Indigenous language conferences and symposiums: Look for conferences, symposiums, or academic events focused on indigenous languages and education. Attendees often present their research findings and share knowledge in these forums. Check the programs and proceedings of such events to find relevant research and studies.

4. Indigenous language experts and scholars: Identify prominent researchers, linguists, and scholars who specialize in indigenous languages and reach out to them for any published work or recommendations. Their expertise and knowledge can guide you towards relevant research studies or point you in the direction of other scholars working in the field.

5. Indigenous language education journals: Explore academic journals specifically focused on indigenous language education, such as the Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, the International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, or the Journal of American Indian Education. These journals often publish research studies, articles, and case studies related to indigenous language revitalization efforts in educational settings.

Remember to critically evaluate the sources you find, considering their credibility, relevance, and methodology. Additionally, be aware that the availability of research studies or specific data on the topic may vary, as indigenous language revitalization efforts in American schools are still an emerging field of study.

Conclusion

A quick update about native Americans, and their thoughts when it comes to their Languages they do not wish to share their language with outsiders, as they regard their language and certain cultural features as private tribal property only. In respect for the preservation of indigenous languages, and cultural heritage, it’s my belief that those languages must be maintained and preserved.

Sources:

https://www.powwows.com/learning-a-native-american-language/.

https://readingpartners.org/blog/native-american-languages-bilingualism/.

http://www.indians.org/welker/americas.htm

https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/why-is-it-important-to-protect-revitalize-indigenous-languages.