Post by Okwes on Jun 6, 2007 17:00:55 GMT -5
Tribe preserves native language
www.miningjournal.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=11965
<http://www.miningjournal.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=11965>
BARAGA (AP) � With few living native speakers left, the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community, like many American Indian groups across the country,
is launching an initiative to preserve ``the first people's
language.''
The reservation in Baraga County is one of those belonging to the Ojibwa
tribe, whose native language is Ojibwe.
Members say the language is an essential aspect of their culture.
``Language is communication, but also it tells who you are,''
said Earl Otchingwanigan, professor emeritus of Ojibwe at Bemidji State
University in Minnesota. ``Within the language itself, there is
history and culture built into it.
``Other cultures around the world ... have brought their languages
back from the brink of extinction, such as the Maori in the South Seas.
The Jewish people in Israel have brought their language back, so it can
be done.''
A $109,708 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
is financing a study of the language's level of use.
On Jan. 22, the Keweenaw community sent out 1,200 questionnaires to
members.
www.miningjournal.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=11965
<http://www.miningjournal.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=11965>
BARAGA (AP) � With few living native speakers left, the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community, like many American Indian groups across the country,
is launching an initiative to preserve ``the first people's
language.''
The reservation in Baraga County is one of those belonging to the Ojibwa
tribe, whose native language is Ojibwe.
Members say the language is an essential aspect of their culture.
``Language is communication, but also it tells who you are,''
said Earl Otchingwanigan, professor emeritus of Ojibwe at Bemidji State
University in Minnesota. ``Within the language itself, there is
history and culture built into it.
``Other cultures around the world ... have brought their languages
back from the brink of extinction, such as the Maori in the South Seas.
The Jewish people in Israel have brought their language back, so it can
be done.''
A $109,708 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
is financing a study of the language's level of use.
On Jan. 22, the Keweenaw community sent out 1,200 questionnaires to
members.