WORKSHOPS
Mentor/Apprentice Programs
Pairing fluent elders with younger classroom
facilitators brings complementary skills to the
classroom and beyond. Mentor/apprentice programs
work through close collaboration with native
speakers. This workshop will examine how to
establish this type of program, why it works and
ways it can be improved.
Challenges in the Field
Addressing ways to approach and solve common
problems that arise in the language preservation
process can be of great utility to both language
learners and teachers. Providing language preservationists
with a toolkit of common problems
and workable solutions can help them design
and implement successful programs as well as
repair programs that are struggling.
Funding Sources
Ken Gordon
Every year the Administration for Native Americans
(ANA) awards grants; however, each year
private, non-governmental corporations and organizations
fund language preservation efforts
as well. Explore some of the non-ANA sources for
funding available to tribes for language preservation
efforts.
Engaging “External” Language
Learner and Activists
Can involving non-tribal community members
enhance the language preservation process?
Some experts say yes; some strongly disagree.
This workshop will look at the controversy and
debate on involving non-tribal members in language
preservation projects, immersion programs,
schools, and so forth.
Special Strategies for Languages
with Few Living Speakers
(or
without living speakers — “dormant
language”)
With few or no fluent teachers of the target language,
revitalization efforts must include archival
materials and specialized teaching methodologies.
Textbooks must go beyond the simple
linguistic documentation of the structure of the
language and provide useful words and constructions
that have relevance in learners’ everyday
lives.
Language Revitalization
for “Urban Indians”
Are different strategies and different types of
programming necessary for today’s urban Indian
populations? This workshop will take a look at
the tools, tips and tactics that work to engage
urban learners.
New Technologies in Language
Preservation in the Digital Age
It’s important to take advantage of the latest
technological tools that can help with the project
of language preservation. Podcasts, wikis
and computer programs can facilitate language
learning in exciting new ways and reach a broader
audience.
Learning Starts at Home
Several recent studies have shown that the most
successful language preservation programs include
speaking the target language in the home.
This workshop will address why home components
of language learning are important. It will
also explore how to effectively engage and interest
children in speaking heritage languages from
a young age, involving multiple generations in
the task of language preservation.
Instilling Language Ownership
in Today’s Youth
While it’s clear to most adult tribal members that
language preservation is very important in maintaining
and protecting American Indian cultures,
younger learners of heritage languages may not
feel this same sense of urgency. How can tribes
instill a sense of responsibility in young language
learners without overwhelming them?
Language as a Political Instrument:
How Knowledge of Tribal Languages
can Protect Your Rights
Whether or not tribal members can speak and
understand their heritage language has long
been considered by United States courts an
important indicator of the “authenticity” of the
tribe. Exploring how active programs in language
preservation can provide legal benefits
to tribes is an important component of recognizing
the significance of language preservation for
your tribe.