Indian leaders call them "the lost children," those who have not learned
their native language. About ten percent know their native language. Indian
leaders point out that a prime example surfaced in _Dances With Wolves_.
Costner had to hire a language instructor to teach almost all the film's
Indian actors how to say lines in their Lakota Sioux language. These
languages are the only way to transmit the traditions of the people. Many
concepts can't be readily translated into English. Several tribes are now
taking steps to reverse the trend. The Hopis are working on an official
dictionary. The Navajos are continuing efforts to get the native language
used in public and boarding schools on the Reservation. The Tohono O'odham
language finds a resurgence of interest. The University of Northern Arizona
teaches the Navajo language. One problem is that about 50% married someone
out of the tribe who is fluent only in English. So English is spoken at
home. Another problem is the children..they don't show interest. They
prefer TV.
Extracts from a news article in the Arizona Republic, Monday March 11, 1991
--- TBBS v2.1/NM
* Origin: Sunwise - BBS - Phoenix, Arizona 602-584-7395 (114/78)
--- via Silver Xpress V2.28 [NR]
* Origin: *=-= The Shipyard =-= Dallas Texas =-=* (1:124/3102)
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