Arctic Languages Perspectives
May 27, 2015
Hishinlai’ Peter
(Kathy R. Sikorski)
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Tromsø, Norway – 2008 Recommendations
* Reinforce importance of Arctic Indigenous languages holistically
* Lead and facilitate activities to strengthen Indigenous language use across the Arctic
* Assessment across Arctic languages - Data on current status of Arctic Indigenous languages
*Create language learning opportunities that involve youth
Ottawa, Canada – 2012 Committee
Recommendations
Three committees:
* Indigenous Language Policies and Planning
* Status of Arctic Indigenous Languages
* Language Acquisition
Indigenous Language Policies and Planning Perspective
(1) Only one policy reported
(2) More policies and ideas needed
AleutStatus of Arctic Indigenous Languages
* Grassroots efforts * Developing “Where Are Your Keys?” (WAYK)* Collaboration with regional non-profit organization* Intensive summer programs – language
resources * Alaska Native Language Archives – teaching, dictionary
Gwich’in
* Immersion camps * Booklets* Language nests, plus booklets * Resource library cataloging * Master-Apprentice * Teacher training* Conferences: Videos of elders
Other Athabascan
* Online dictionary, and language lessons* iTunes App * Story Books - cultural activities* Orthography Book * Alaska Native Language Archives – various groups
Inuit/Yupik
* Alaska: ANLC book listLanguage Nest (Barrow)
Immersion School (Kotzebue)
* Canada: Media Dictionary, print material Apps Language Learning Website
RAIPON
* Videos * Online dictionary* Orthography, Grammar, Phonology* Phrase books
Saami
* Online lessons, dictionaries* Grammars* Word bank* Youth – “Speak Saami to me”* Educational resources
Status of Indigenous Languages Perspectives
(1) Pockets of efforts being done
(2) Need to collaborate and share
Language Acquisition/Teaching
(1)Develop an aggressive curriculum and language lessons that engage students through appropriate culture
(2)Supply teacher training that uses known methods of SLA, such as “Communicative Competence” (Canale & Swain, 1980) or SCT (interaction through social context)
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