Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Native American languages in the classroom

    Posted 02-11-2021 12:11 AM
    Does anyone have experience with or know where I can find resources to translate everyday classroom objects labels from English to Native American language, preferably Sauk, Shawnee, or Pottowatomie but an open to other native languages as well. I work for a tribal head start and want to reflect the culture through language, but am having a hard time finding translations.

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    Jacklyn Wright
    Cushing OK
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  • 2.  RE: Native American languages in the classroom

    Posted 02-12-2021 05:56 AM
    I would suggest searching Facebook for those tribal groups. Most Native American tribes have FB pages and are open and available to help anyone who has questions about their culture

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    Sonya Sloan Howard
    Odenton MD
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  • 3.  RE: Native American languages in the classroom

    Posted 02-12-2021 06:43 AM
    Hello Mr. Wright,
    I highly recommend involving the parents of the children who speak those languages.
    As one who worked 30 years as the director of The Boston Indian Council Headstart, I learned that there may or may not be a word that describes some objects in your classroom.  For example there may not be a word for blocks, but definitely there would be a word for doll.  The word for doll may be different in each of the languages you mentioned.Additionally, it is important to note that the history of this country passed laws preventing Indigenous Peoples from speaking their language and practicing their religion.  Up until 1964 children at the age of five were taken from their families and put in religious boarding schools.  Most were beaten if they spoke their language.  I mention this because for many, their language was lost.  Now, in contemporary America many tribes are actively "recovering" "relearning" their language from elders that remain with their language intact.

    Therefore, I highly recommend involvement of parents, the tribes, and elders of the community.  Ask the children.  They may know the word, but not the spelling.  As another respondent suggested try each tribes webpage.  I would recommend asking how to pronounce the words so you say them correctly.
    Good luck.  Thank you for valuing the language of the children you serve.
    Patricia Landry
    Boston, Massachusetts

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    Patricia Landry
    Retired
    Jamaica Plain MA
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  • 4.  RE: Native American languages in the classroom

    Posted 02-12-2021 06:46 AM
    I apologize.  The phone changes things.  Thank you Ms Wright for caring.

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    Patricia Landry
    Retired
    Jamaica Plain MA
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  • 5.  RE: Native American languages in the classroom

    Posted 02-12-2021 08:15 AM
    Thank you for your suggestions.

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    Jacklyn Wright
    Cushing OK
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  • 6.  RE: Native American languages in the classroom

    Posted 02-12-2021 11:22 AM
    Not necessarily about language but a good read regardless.

    https://info.teachstone.com/blog/cultural-perspectives-of-class

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    Stacey Bosserman
    Coordinator
    James Madison University Mixed Delivery Grant
    Harrisonburg VA
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