Language Survey looking for answers

[blackcrowheart]

Language Survey looking for answers
By Joycelene Johnson
Language Coordinator

The San Carlos Apache tribe received a grant from the Administration of
Native Americans to conduct a Community Language Survey that effects 1)
how many tribal members speak the Apache language, 2) their level of
proficiency, 3) the degree of importance they attach to preserving and
revitalizing the language, 4) the factors attributed to its decline and
to develop long range goals directed towards preservation and
revitalization of the language.

The San Carlos Apache tribe designed this survey by gathering
information from the community, local schools and four universities.
This baseline survey forms part of the initial stage of the San Carlos
Apache Language Project. As such, it will lay the groundwork for the
language revitalization efforts to follow. After the survey has been
completed, the project leaders will have a reliable measure of Apache
language use among tribal members and an estimate of the extent of
support that the project will receive.

The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the current knowledge
and opinions of the San Carlos Apache language. In addition, to
investigate the current status of the Apache language in terms of its
use among members and determine the attitudes of tribal members toward
the language.

The questionaire was pre-tested by 21 randomly chosen individuals, thus
the pretest sample population was both small and random. The ages of the
respondents ranged from 18 to 73. It cannot be assumed that the results
will reflect the result of a larger survey. Nevertheless, the pretest
has yielded interesting results.

All the respondents reported childhood memories of family members
speaking Apache. Several respondents themselves currently speak the
language. Of those surveyed, 98 percent felt that it was important that
the Apache language, history and culture be maintained.

One individual felt that the Apache language was not used enough, while
another man expressed that preserving Apache traditions and language
should be a priority for every family. Several respondents expressed
that learning the language would make them feel more Apache. Finally,
the attitudes expressed in the pretest signified that Apaches think
about social and personal issues attached to the knowledge and use of
the Apache language.

The questionaires are anonymous. There are 40 questions on the survey.
Language Survey workers have been selected and will receive training
before conducting the survey.

There are five language survey workers who started canvassing Bylas last
Thursday. San Carlos survey workers will begin this week. Participation
is voluntary, although encouraged by the San Carlos Tribal Council.

If you have any questions, contact Tribal Planning and Economic
Development at 475-2331 or email [e-mail]
<mailto:[e-mail]> .