Topic: 2024-Indigenous Languages
Country: United States of America
Delegate Name: Soraya Parke
The history of indigenous languages in the United States has many different sides to it. Despite the many attempts in the past to wipe out the indigenous peoples and their language, they have put up a fight and still today continue to spread the awareness of their culture and language which continues to be endangered. Over time, the importance of their role in our history has opened the eyes of many. More and more people are playing a role in helping the preservation of native culture, identity, and worldview. The few indigenous languages that are left are facing critical danger. Many have very few fluent speakers left. But in some cases, the historical trauma whichforced English on many has, in some ways, stopped the desire or ability to speak indigenous languages. Some communities still don’t have funding or access to teachers or resources to effectively help their indigenous language thrive again. Which is why the goal of preserving and replenishing this language is very important.
Indigenous languages have existed in the United States for over 15,000 years. There are some estimates suggesting earlier migrations from people who migrated from Asia across the Bering Strait. Before the Europeans arrived in the 15th century and colonized what is now America there were about 500 different languages spoken. When Europeans arrived they forced the Natives out of their homes and land. d or even fewer speakers. The use of native languages has been shrinking for many years. Their population fell from 20 million to less than 2 million today.They tried to destroy native culture and languages by forcing English on native communities. They were also not made citizens until 1924. But they still counted votes in 50 states until 40 years later. But these policies changed in 1972 when the Indian Education Act was passed by Congress. This made it legal to teach children in indigenous languages and gave tribes the right to change schools. Then in 1990, Congress passed the Native American Languages Act, which was made to preserve, protect, and promote Native American rights to be able to speak their language anywhere they like. Movements for the preservation of Indigenous languages began to take form in the late 20th century. Different actions were taken, from language immersion schools to the creation of language documentation programs, these acts are often supported by linguists and cultural activists.
Today, Indigenous languages in the Americas continue to face the threat of extinction, with many languages having only a few hundred. Most native american languages today ceased to exist, or are only spoken by older speakers whom the language will die in years to come. There were about 300 indigenous languages. Now there are about 167 indigenous languages still spoken and it is suggested that only 20 will still be around by 2050. Only 8 indigenous languages have a population of speakers in the United States and Canada large enough to populate a medium sized town. Only one, Navajo, is the most spoken native language with about 170,000 speakers. But, even with this high number it isn’t even one of the top 25 languages spoken in the United States. Most native speakers no longer speak their native language and speak English instead. There is the Navajo National Museum, which is an organization that is working on preserving the Navajo language. In 2018 Laguna Pueblo and Sgarice Davids, two Native American women, were voted into the house of representatives. When this happened they finally felt like their voices and the voices of Native Americans were being heard in the national government. They were also the first native American women to serve in congress.
Although there are many efforts to preserve native languages, there are still many challenges facing indigenous people today. The future goal for Indigenous languages in the United States is centered on revitalization, preservation, and expansion. Efforts are being made to ensure these languages are not only preserved but also thrive in contemporary society. as of January 1,2022 we are in the international decade of indigenous languages. This should help to shine a light on the critical state of indigenous languages and to bring them resources to help bring the healing, well being, and prosperity of indigenous communities. On the topic of language revitalization, many indigenous communities have been focusing on educational programs. This often means language immersion schools, community based learning, and generational transmission. The emphasis is on teaching children. This emphasis on early age language learning has been great. In fact, it is easier to learn a language when younger. There is also the development of online courses and software tools. This is helping to make indigenous language more accessible to the younger generations and to those who don’t speak the language. Increasing the indigenous language in the media, including films, TV, podcasts, radio shows,, social media, and literature can help normalize the language in everyday life. This media is mainly of the targeted variety like social media.. Access to funding is also very important to all the work that has been done for indigenous language preservation. It is still difficult for many organizations to secure adequate public funding for indigenous language, education/teacher training and the development of learning resources. Many states, but mainly those that have large indigenous populations, have passed laws to recognize and support the preservation of indigenous languages. For example, in Alaska, the state government has been working on bringing back native languages through funding the Alaska native language center. There are also universities that have stepped into help such as University of Arizona and the University of Alaska,Fairbanks. Both institutions have specialized programs that focus on the regrowth of endangered native languages. Language is also connected to culture and spreading the knowledge and traditions of these cultures is vital to help these languages thrive. Since many of these languages are spoken in small populations, one of the most effective resources to help promote their use is providing teaching materials to small native communities.
The UN declared 2029 to be the year of indigenous languages, to promote and preserve their language. The UN is promoting indigenous languages in an attempt to Increase understanding, reconciliation, and international cooperation. Many other organizations around the world have started to speak up and show their support for the preservation of the indigenous languages. Losing the language means losing the history and culture of our land and people.
