For example, optional classes in the education system. Explain your reasons and details please. (I am writing an essay and I would appreciate your explanations.)
2007-09-30 18:51:51 · 5 answers · asked by ~Shy_Girl~ 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
There already is a law called H.R.4766, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/017411.asp
Yes there really needs to be. The U.S. policy of extermination of Native Peoples (genocide) and then assimilation of Native Peoples (cultural genocide) has lead to many Native Languages and cultures being wiped totally out! Many more are endangered. The U.S. did that! Now they have a responsiblity to help save those languages and cultures.
In the Ojibwe way, to have ceremonies, you have to be able to speak the language. Without the language, you have no ceremonies, you have no health, no culture. The language is the most important thing.
2007-10-01 12:26:45 · answer #1 · answered by jody_jody_jody_jody 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Jody Jody. Languages need to be preserved.
Ok, and with the person who said that they are far enough behind, why not get rid of spanish in every education system, if they want to learn spanish, go to spain, this is Native land, learn the native language, not the foreign French (france) or spanish (spain), they all have a place to belong, in their respective countries.
Government should definately support immersion schools who are falling under the radar, look up "Akwesasne Freedom School" Mohawk language is dying as we speak and the Freedom school is the only hope left, there are some other communities that are teaching mohawk but its still so small, these schools are being held up by the parents, but there still aren't enough resources.
2007-10-02 03:32:29 · answer #2 · answered by your_gurl_leah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that they do this in New Zealand (teaching the Maori language and culture in schools). It seems to work really well and there is a lot more social cohension.
But NZ is a lot smaller than America and has a better education system anyhow.
2007-10-01 23:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not - what a total mess that would be especially when US schools are so far behind in important things like math, science, and even our own language. Indeed, with our near total lack of ability to speak important foreign languages needed for international commerce, etc, the idea you've stated would be detrimental with almost zero value for the effort.
2007-09-30 20:12:02 · answer #4 · answered by Caninelegion 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I think it would be a good idea. Not just languages, but all aspects of their culture: religion, food, clothing, etc. I know America is a melting pot and all, but sometimes diversity is a good thing.
Remember the code talkers? They were invaluable to our country, and no other country in the world could have anyone like that.
2007-09-30 20:16:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋