Language is land, land is language: The importance of Indigenous languages

Susan Chiblow,Paul J Meighan

doi:10.1177/19427786211022899

Abstract

This collaborative opinion piece, written from the authors’ personal perspectives (Anishinaabe and Gàidheal) on Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) and Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic language), discusses the importance of maintaining and revitalizing Indigenous languages, particularly in these times of climate and humanitarian crises. The authors will give their personal responses, rooted in lived experiences, on five areas they have identified as a starting point for their discussion: (1) why Indigenous languages are important; (2) the effects of colonization on Indigenous languages; (3) the connections/responsibilities to the land, such as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), embedded in Indigenous languages; (4) the importance of land-based learning and education, full language immersion, and the challenges associated with implementing these strategies for Indigenous language maintenance and revitalization; and (5) where we can go from here.

Highlights

Languages do not exist within a vacuum and languages do not “die.” With the advance of colonialism, capitalism, and colonial languages (e.g. English), Indigenous languages have been subjected to genocidal processes, governmental policies entrenched in linguistic imperialism, epistemological and cognitive supremacy, and continued practices of linguicide and historicide
The authors will give their personal responses, rooted in lived experiences, on five areas they have identified as a starting point for their discussion: (1) why Indigenous languages are important; (2) the effects of colonization on Indigenous languages; (3) the connections/ responsibilities to the land, such as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), embedded in Indigenous languages; (4) the importance of land-b ased learning and education, full language immersion, and the challenges associated with implementing these strategies for Indigenous language maintenance and revitalization; and (5) where we can go from here
Why is land-based learning and full language immersion important for Indigenous languages, and what are the challenges in implementing these strategies?

Summary

Introduction

Languages do not exist within a vacuum and languages do not “die.” With the advance of colonialism, capitalism, and colonial languages (e.g. English), Indigenous languages have been subjected to genocidal processes, governmental policies entrenched in linguistic imperialism, epistemological and cognitive supremacy, and continued practices of linguicide and historicide. I’ve continued to learn more about the devastating impacts of colonialism on the Indigenous peoples and languages of Turtle Island after meeting my Anishinaabe husband in Scotland five years ago and from frequent discussions with my Anishinaabe family. Paul: Indigenous languages are important for many reasons.

Results

Conclusion