The Power of Language
by Latifah Phillips, Director of Office of Native Education, OSPI
The United Nations proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages in an effort to raise awareness of the cultural, linguistic and knowledge systems that are at risk of extinction. For many people raised within mainstream cultures, it’s hard to conceptualize the idea of a language becoming “extinct” when language surrounds us for communication, social interaction and business. Some may ask why humanity should care about endangered languages when an accessible means of communication exists through a lingua franca such as English, Spanish or French.
However, the standard for assessing the worth or value of a language shouldn’t be determined by outside dominant cultures which operate from a different set of values, norms and ways of life. Language is more than the words we use, but intertwined with cultural values, community relationships, spirituality, self-esteem, and survival.
Knowing the power of language for survival, the US government initiated federal policies of assimilation throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s to eradicate Native American cultures through the destruction of language. One instrument for destruction was “schools”. Government run boarding schools systematically removed Native American children from their homes and into boarding schools where curriculum was designed to decimate culture through the forced learning of English. It wasn’t until Congress passed the Indian Education Act in 1972 that teaching Native languages in school became legal and Tribes were restored the authority to control schools that educated their children.
While schools were once used as a weapon against language and culture, they now have the potential to be become places of healing, reconciliation and learning. One way to accomplish this is through the development of dual language programs in schools. In dual language programs, students can gain access to or deepen their understanding of cultural identities and knowledge which will help them to develop self-awareness and self-esteem. This leads the way to strengthening characteristics such as persistence and resilience, which are much-needed traits for attaining post-secondary and career success, and for living a healthy life.
Although schools and dual language programs alone cannot revive or maintain a language without the participation and commitment of families and the community, they can be a catalyst and force for language revitalization and maintenance. The elevation of English and an Indigenous language to a place of equal importance may appear subtle, but cannot be understated for its potential to shape a student’s positive identity, self-awareness and confidence.
Educators across the state of Washington can be proud to be part of a commitment here at OSPI to support Tribal dual language programs. Dual language programs provide our Native American students with opportunities to fulfill their greatest academic potential — in two languages — without having to compromise their cultural identity. While the United Nations has proclaimed this year for global recognition of Indigenous languages, let’s claim this year and beyond as a commitment to language revitalization and maintenance, cultural development, and academic success for our Native children in public schools. Supporting and developing Tribal dual language programs in schools is one important step toward this commitment.
