Category Archives: Important Questions

The Relationship between Language and Culture

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Laura Brooks

It’s a question that’s been pondered for millennia: does language influence culture?  Or is language just a way we express ourselves and our culture?  Put differently, does the specific language that we learn from birth affect how we see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Important Questions, Language Theory | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

The Language of Language

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Laura Brooks

We have great power in choosing the words we use to communicate.  How we say what we say affects how we and others feel about what we are talking about.  Sometimes, this is obvious—if I tell you I bought you … Continue reading →

Posted in Important Questions, Preservation Programs | Tagged , | Leave a comment

National Archive Housing Documentation for 250 Native Languages Receives Significant Grant

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Cheryl Cedar Face

The National Anthropological Archives, steward to primary source documentation of over 250 Native languages, received a $323,000 grant this month to preserve its materials and improve access for researchers. The NAA was founded by an act of Congress in 1879 … Continue reading →

Posted in Important Questions | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

No Child Left Behind and Native Language Immersion Programs

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Laura Brooks

By now, you have certainly heard of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the infamous education legislation passed in 2001.  What you may not be aware of is how NCLB can negatively affect Native language preservation programs in Indian … Continue reading →

Posted in Important Questions | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Ojibwe Taught in Public Schools

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Laura Brooks

A recent article written by Linda Grover for Budgeteer News describes how Ojibwe Language and Culture are taught in Duluth, MN public high schools. The curriculum is growing, with Ojibwe culture and history classes being added this year.  Both Native … Continue reading →

Posted in Important Questions | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments