Abstract
Even though there has been a significant advancement in human rights, social justice and social practices around the world; some Ecuadorian indigenous students still struggle against many social and linguistic limitations, especially in Chimborazo province. This research was carried out with 30 Ecuadorian indigenous students who studied English as a compulsory subject for five months. The aim of the study is to explore the general attitudes of indigenous university students about Kichwa, Spanish and English languages in the Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, at the Political and Administrative Science College. It also aims to find out which language demands more of their attention. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected into three-time stages by applying a questionnaire asking for students’ attitudes towards Kichwa, Spanish and English. Participants were asked about their language exposure in each of the mentioned languages. Answers were tabulated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The outcomes revealed a substantial difference in the students’ attitudes in favor of Spanish language. Students showed a high exposure and attitude percentage towards Spanish language through social interaction with native speakers. Additionally, they listened and read information in Spanish with the most accuracy. The participants have been exposed to Spanish more than 20 years, as well. Conversely, students do not show a significant attitude towards English or Kichwa. Additionally, their social and academic contexts do not demand that the students to speak Kichwa and English, as a priority in students’ daily communication.
Highlights
1.1 Context of the ProblemSome indigenous populations and minority groups face almost the same problems in Ecuador and elsewhere in the world (United Nations Department of Public Information, 2010)
The aim of the study is to explore the general attitudes of indigenous university students about Kichwa, Spanish and English languages in the Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, at the Political and Administrative Science College
The purpose of the study is to explore the general attitudes of indigenous university students about Kichwa, Spanish and English languages in the Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, at the Political and Administrative Science College
Summary
Some indigenous populations and minority groups face almost the same problems in Ecuador and elsewhere in the world (United Nations Department of Public Information, 2010). It is necessary to remember that socially dominant conditions have not been removed over time. Speakers who are part of a dominant language promote injustice and social inequality which increase social conflict (Oliveros, 2008). In all latitudes, dominated populations struggle under some social, economic, educational, psychological, and political issues and even the death of their native mother tongues. Fasold (2014) points out that in the United States of North America in 1990, Congress had approved the Native American Languages Act for preserving and developing native languages. Government did not provide any financial support for preserving indigenous languages
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