Arrogant Columnist on Teaching Native Language

[pennyspen]

Hello, I am posting this article sent to me by my neice.
Article against teaching native languages to children.

The Critical Importance of Learning a Useless LanguageI guess whomever wrote the article does not think that Native children cannot learn more than one language. He states he doesn't speak his ancestral tongue. I don't expect him to

Comments

[pennyspen]

Is that from the Ojibway or Turtle Mountain origin? My spouse's ancestors come from the Red River Settlement in Canada. The name Anishinaaabemowin reminded me of Assiniboia, (one who cooks with stones)which was where his ancestor was a councillor in 1825. I hope your friend does well & has a strong presentation.

I am glad more young people are learning the language, and other cultural aspects of their heritage. Those are all good reasons to do so. Now if only other people would take it more seriously & respect those that are taking the time to learn, and the time to teach.

My neice says that in Washington a law has passed that schools who are near reservations will implement native language and history into cirriculum.

That's funny I haven't heard of anything at our school. I wonder if teaching Native Language in Washington is going to fall through the cracks like some Johnson O’Malley programs do, let alone get started even. Well it should if a law has passed, right?

She sent this to check out for Oregon residents;

Oregon Bill http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/sb0001.dir/sb0048.intro.html

I know one thing for sure. The differences in culture when teaching children has a big impact on what they learn early on and until the
Communications/Speech teacher starts addressing this more thoroughly we are still working against the kids instead of with them. We have ESL teacher for our Spanish students, what about one for the Native students. I am pretty sure there is a study on language barriers that hinder learning, but can’t remember where I saw it. I know there would be a big difference if teachers in general kept that in mind when teaching the whole class and would accommodate for culture differences.

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