Urban Indigenous Second-Language Learning

Abstract

As the language revitalization movement progresses, the impacts of Indigenous language beyond the domain of language use are gaining recognition. Previous literature has identified links between Indigenous language revitalization efforts and Indigenous well-being, but to date, there are few studies that explore this topic thoroughly. The purpose of this study is to explore the impacts of Indigenous second-language learning on urban Indigenous perceptions of their well-being. Urban Indigenous populations are growing, and are particularly impacted by language loss; thus, it is vital that urban perspectives be represented. Indigenous language-learners from the Nêhiyaw (Cree) Language Lessons Program in Edmonton, Alberta participated in semi-structured interviews. Five exploratory themes emerged from thematic analysis. The results presented in this paper, while exploratory, are a meaningful addition to the existing scholarship in this field. They may be used as a departure point for future research on the topic of Indigenous language learning and how it impacts Indigenous well-being.