by Canela
Since the European colonization of the United States, millions of indigenous people have been killed by war or disease. Fueled by the ‘Manifest Destiny’ doctrine, federal and state governments encouraged the erasure of indigenous culture through slavery, genocide, and forced assimilation. Seen as inferior, indigenous beliefs were forcibly replaced by the ideals of white settlers, who believed it was their divine right to spread these ideals across the continent.
Throughout the 19th century, federal and state governments supported more than 370 massacres targeting Native Americans. Native children were subjected to slavery and bounties would primarily target natives. Meanwhile, other children were placed into boarding schools, where they were often subject to violent prohibition of their languages and traditions.
Although there were once 300 indigenous languages spoken in the area that is now the US, the Indigenous Language Institute estimates that by 2050, only 20 of these languages will remain. The decline of indigenous languages among the new generations is increasingly evident. However, steps are being taken by the government and cultural organizations, such as the Navajo Nation Museum, to preserve languages like Navajo.
How does the loss of a language also signify the loss of identity?
Navajo values and history are inherently part of the language and its teaching. Navajo historian, Wally Brown, of Navajo Traditional Teachings, describes the language's dependency to the knowledge of history and culture.
For example, the traditional teachings to learn Navajo are tied to the number 4. The number 4 is sacred in Navajo culture due to its prominence in nature and beliefs. (Such as, four seasons, the first four clans, the four colors that coincide with the four sacred mountains.)
Ceremonial songs and prayers carry a history passed down from its origin, which must be understood in order to preserve it. Furthermore, these ceremonial procedures and songs have a language of their own that even many Navajo speakers do not speak.
Deep-rooted into history and culture, the loss of a language separates the person from what made them who they are today. Our ‘why’ and ‘how’ lost, we lose our perception of ourselves and our relation to the people and objects around us.
The death of a language will permanently set us apart from the generational teachings passed down from our ancestors. The traditional beliefs that influenced the structure of our modern community will be forever unknown. Even our sense of community and purpose will cease to exist along with our words, stories and songs. The connection with those who came before us will die. Until we are permanently divided from heritage and forget who we are.
Languages carry our heritage and history of values. Even if we find ourselves disagreeing with some values, our defiance will signify change in our community and will become part of the history we carry on to others.
Our cultures make up the world. Navajo, Zapotec, Nahuatl, Spanish, Cantonese, Hindi…the list is infinite. The understanding of our cultures should be aimed for in our lives to know more about ourselves and each other.
Revitalization–From the classroom to the screen
Most native speakers of indigenous languages are the elderly. In an effort to have more youth speakers, elementary schools around Navajo communities have begun to teach in Navajo.
Puente de Hóshó magnet school in Flagstaff, Arizona teaches students half of the day in Navajo. The students are taught everything from their math and history classes in Navajo. Students can then take what they have learned at school and practice it at home with native speakers such as their grandparents.
Schools like Atrisco Heritage Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico take an immersive approach to teaching the language. Classes are often held outdoors so students can connect themselves to the values carried by the language. Outdoors, the students engage with each other and the world around them, connecting them to the values of community and respect.
By connecting students with the language and culture, children become involved with their family at home, their community, and themselves.
Navajo has also expanded its reach through movies. Since the Navajo dubbing of Star Wars: Episode IV in 2013, movies dubbed in Native American languages have risen in popularity. For example, Frozen 2, or Jikŋon 2 has been dubbed in Sámi, and Moana in Maori. Finding Nemo, or Nemo Hádéést'įį' in Navajo, was dubbed in Navajo in 2016, and most recently, the western movie, A Fistful of Dollars, or Béeso Dah Yiníłjaa' in Navajo, was dubbed in 2021.
These movies are dubbed with a purpose in mind and chosen with deliberation. Nemo Hádéést'įį' (Finding Nemo) was chosen to spark the younger generation’s interest in the Navajo language. Further increasing authenticity, voice actors in the cast of Nemo Hádéést'įį' (Finding Nemo) are from Navajo Nation. Both the dubbing’s production and its release involve and inspire members of native communities.
Western movies have always been popular with the elderly of the Navajo community who grew up with the movies. However, many western movies carry harmful depictions of Native Americans. In an interview with The Guardian, the Navajo Nation Museum director, Manuelito Wheeler, who is often involved with the dubbings, says A Fistful of Dollars was chosen because it didn’t portray any Native American characters.
Rising in popularity, these movies have been successful in catching the public’s interest in the Navajo language. For example, the announcement of Nemo Hádéést'įį' (Finding Nemo), caught the attention of Patrick Stump, vocalist of American rock band Fall Out Boy, who sang the end credits in Navajo.
About Canela
As a Zapotec Mexican-American, Canela is always on the lookout for the complexities of the unique experiences of those in cultures around the world. She is passionate about the use of language, rhetoric, and media to let people’s voices about challenges in their community be heard. As an avid student, she has no time to participate in her hobbies of design and video games.