Arrogant Columnist on Teaching Native Language

[pennyspen]

Hello, I am posting this article sent to me by my neice.
Article against teaching native languages to children.

The Critical Importance of Learning a Useless LanguageI guess whomever wrote the article does not think that Native children cannot learn more than one language. He states he doesn't speak his ancestral tongue. I don't expect him to

Comments

[ndnize]

A student is doing a presentation tomorrow on our campus on the importance of learning language (Anishinaabemowin) for the purpose sovereignty as well as spiritual, cultural and personal reasons.

Major different. Germans, etc. are descendants from Germany, etc. They chose to leave their language/culture behind. We didn't!!!!!!!!

[pennyspen]

Is that from the Ojibway or Turtle Mountain origin? My spouse's ancestors come from the Red River Settlement in Canada. The name Anishinaaabemowin reminded me of Assiniboia, (one who cooks with stones)which was where his ancestor was a councillor in 1825. I hope your friend does well & has a strong presentation

[limejellybeans]

I cannot believe that there is someone out there who would write this sort of garbage. This is the foundation that many conquered nations were found and still operate under.

[pennyspen]

I am not sure if/why he/she would get paid to write it. I bet it is a personal magazine that only certain people can base their opinions on. If you feel like giving it a try or just want to ask them questions I have found their email address on the site. It is hobbit@pcez.com. I would love to read articles on the same subject rejecting this opinion. I will talk to my neice also, and find others that would like to "speak up" whatever language they decide to speak in.

Unbelievably callous

[anonymous]

I couldn't agree with you more. One thing (among many) that I found ridiculous was the author equating the idea that Native Americans should leave their language behind with the way German, Russian and other immigrants linguistically assimilate to U.S. English. Of course, there is a glaring oversight in this self-serving rationalization of an argument. Native Americans are not immigrants. The author even goes so far as to say that it would be better for Native Americans to learn Latin. Latin is NOT used as a conversational language ANYWHERE. The author also displayed a cavalier attitude toward the INVALUABLE contribution Navajo code made to U.S. efforts in World War II. What language would the people of Oregon be speaking now if it weren't for the cooperation of the Navajo.
Oh well, I guess I've rambled enough.

Kelly C. in L.A.

languages

[lazywolf_2007]

sorry. i think everyone should speak english, and if you require a second language the practical thing to do is learn spanish@ i have never known my tribal language and ive done just fine in life!