Client 29 Acad
Client 29 Acad
Client 29 Acad
Submitted to:
Fatima M. Quiambao
Submitted by:
. Jullia Mae P. Sta. Ana
2023
Republic of the Philippines
Introduction
History and language are closely related aspects of human civilization. Language is a
key tool for communication that allows both individuals and groups to share their thoughts,
stories, feelings, and experiences. The entire past of humanity is covered by history, which
also includes significant events, cultural traditions, and societal developments. In this position
paper, the crucial connection between language and history will be explored, along with how
language is essential for both expressing and maintaining our historical past.
"UNESCO shall promote the preservation of endangered languages, and shall support
efforts to document, revitalize, and promote these languages as part of our global cultural
heritage." - UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Language is also an essential instrument for keeping historical texts, records, and oral
traditions alive. Language allows us to access and understand the stories, concepts, and points
of view of earlier eras, whether they are found in ancient documents or modern literature.
Without language, it would be impossible to understand historical texts, and it would be very
difficult to solve the riddles of the past.
"The United States recognizes the need to support and revitalize endangered Native
American languages and shall provide funding and resources to language preservation
programs." - Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act (USA)
The diversity and richness of human civilization are also reflected in the languages
themselves, which are historical relics. Each language reflects the cultural character of its
speakers and captures a distinct collection of historical events. Maintaining linguistic variety
is essential for preserving an in-depth understanding of our shared human past because it
enables us to examine different points of view, traditions, and narratives.
"States shall take effective measures to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous
peoples to their languages, including the right to use, develop, and transmit their languages to
future generations." - United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Background on the Navajo Language and its Cultural Significance
Republic of the Philippines
The Diné Bizaad, or Navajo, language occupies a special and irreplaceable place in the
rich fabric of human linguistic variety. Its existence is at grave risk as it is a language that is
critically endangered. It is essential to understand the value of conserving endangered
languages, such as Navajo, to maintain cultural heritage and enhance historical
comprehension.
The Navajo people, who live in the southwest of the United States, are the primary
speakers of Navajo, a member of the Athabaskan language family. The Navajo language has
been the main medium of cultural expression and communication for the Navajo people for
centuries. It has a rich oral tradition that includes passed-down fables, hymns, prayers, and
ceremonies for special occasions.
The Navajo people's worldview and cultural identity are intricately entwined with the
Navajo language. They communicate their history, traditions, and spiritual beliefs through the
language they use. Navajo captures the strong connection of the Navajo people to the land,
the natural world, and their ancestors' knowledge, reflecting the special bond between the
Navajo people and their surroundings.
The problem at stake is the endangered situation of the Navajo language, which offers
significant challenges to the preservation of cultural assets and historical understanding. The
demise of Navajo as a spoken language affects the transfer of traditional knowledge, cultural
practices, and historical narratives of the Navajo Nation.
For the continuation of cultural heritage and the expansion of historical knowledge,
endangered languages like Navajo must be preserved. In addition to losing a unique form of
communication, losing a language also means losing a way of life, cultural practices, and a
strong sense of history. Language extinction causes a loss of diversity, knowledge, and
identity for all of humanity.
b. However, a significant number of these languages are endangered, which means they could
go extinct soon.
c. According to the Endangered Languages Project, at least 43% of all languages are in
danger of extinction. c. The number of speakers, generational transmission, and institutional
support for the language are the factors that determine the classification.
a. The status and classification of endangered languages are clarified in the UNESCO Atlas
of the World's Languages in Danger.
b. It divides endangered languages into categories according to their degree of endangerment,
from "vulnerable" to "definitely endangered," "severely endangered," and "critically
endangered."
c. The number of speakers, generational transmission, and institutional support for the
language are the factors that determine the classification.
a. The UNESCO Atlas lists the Navajo language, also known as Diné Bizaad, as "Definitely
Endangered."
b. According to this classification, the Navajo language has a very high chance of going
extinct in the future if proper preservation measures are not taken.
c. Statistics reveal a decrease in the number of Navajo speakers who are fluent over the
previous few decades, underscoring the need to keep this language alive.
a. The preservation of cultural legacy and our understanding of the past are significantly
impacted by the endangerment and potential extinction of languages like Navajo.
b. Language acts as a storehouse for cultural information, customs, and the past distinctive to
a certain community or culture.
c. Maintaining cultural diversity, encouraging intergenerational transfer of cultural practices,
and ensuring the continuity of historical understanding and traditions all depend on the
preservation of endangered languages.
Importance of preserving endangered languages
memory and experiences are reflected in their endangered languages, which also represent
their history, spirituality, and relationships with the earth. Losing these languages would
mean losing a crucial thread in the human tapestry, wiping out priceless information about
our common past and cultural variety. We can safeguard the continuity of cultural traditions,
establish a sense of identification and belonging, and advance a deeper understanding of our
common heritage by actively protecting endangered languages.
A strong connection between the Navajo people and their voluminous cultural history
exists because of the Navajo language. Language serves as more than just a means of
communication; it also captures the core of a society's ideals, worldview, and way of life. The
Navajo people use their language as a means of expressing their distinct worldview, passing
on traditional knowledge, and preserving a sense of connection to their ancestors. The Navajo
language maintains cultural practices, tales, and histories that are crucial for understanding
and enjoying the Navajo culture. It is the knowledge and collective memory of generations.
The continuance of ceremonial rituals and spiritual activities is essential to the survival of
the Navajo language within the Navajo community. Navajo is the only language used solely
for many religious rites and ceremonies because it has a powerful spiritual connotation. It
preserves the purity and authenticity of these rituals by carrying the holy chants, prayers, and
phrases that have been passed down through the years. The community maintains both the
linguistic and spiritual components of their customary rituals by conserving the Navajo
language, ensuring that future generations can participate in these essential cultural
manifestations.
An integral part of the Navajo cultural identity and legacy is the Navajo language. It
serves as a means for people to express their Navajo identity, confirm their sense of
community, and build relationships with others. The Navajo people take great pleasure in
their language, which represents their distinctive cultural history and sets them apart as an
indigenous people. To retain a strong and dynamic cultural identity, build intergenerational
connections, and make sure that generations to come can fully embrace their Navajo ancestry,
it is essential to preserve the Navajo language.
Historical accounts and oral traditions that have been passed down through the years are
essential resources that may be found in the Navajo language. Stories of forefathers' travels,
important occasions, and the difficulties and victories of the Navajo people are all maintained
via the Navajo language. These oral traditions give different viewpoints and complex
understandings of historical events that may diverge from accepted historical narratives, in
addition to offering insights into the Navajo people's historical experiences.
Republic of the Philippines
The Navajo language is needed to fully understand Navajo history. The Navajo language
is used widely in historical texts, recordings, and archives that detail Navajo history. Rich
historical resources become unavailable without a strong command of the language. These
materials can only be accessed through the Navajo language, which enables academics,
researchers, and community members to dive deeper into Navajo history, uncover untold
stories, and develop a more thorough grasp of the Navajo people's past.
The advanced linguistic words and patterns established in the Navajo language face the
risk of being lost as the language itself is threatened with decline and endangerment. The
grammatical constructions, idiomatic idioms, and linguistic patterns that make up the Navajo
language are exclusive to the Navajo culture. These language components can shed light on
the Navajo people's worldview, cultural traditions, and historical background. These
grammatical nuances are being lost with the language's decline, which has a negative impact
on our comprehension of the Navajo language's historical sophistication and cultural
diversity.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated the many advantages of bilingual instruction for
Navajo students. Navajo pupils have been proven to be improved by bilingual education
systems that include the Navajo language alongside English in academic performance,
cognitive development, and cultural identification. According to studies, pupils who are
taught in their mother tongue do better in class and are more engaged and confident. In
addition to developing language competency, bilingual education also helps Navajo students
gain a better awareness of their cultural history and improves their entire educational
experience.
Access to culturally appropriate education that incorporates the Navajo language and
cultural viewpoints is one of the issues Navajo communities deals with. Many Navajo
students attend institutions that do not place a high enough priority on or allocate enough
funding for Navajo language and culture teaching. Being disconnected from one's cultural
roots and losing one's sense of linguistic and cultural identity might result from a lack of
education that is culturally sensitive. The importance of solving these issues and ensuring that
Navajo kids have access to learning settings that appreciate and celebrate their language,
culture, and history cannot be overstated.
Navajo language conservation and cultural heritage promotion in schools are both greatly
helped by language revitalization efforts. Schools can provide opportunities for Navajo kids
to learn and use their native language in an educational context by including Navajo language
Republic of the Philippines
teaching within the curriculum. Language revitalization programs help Navajo kids feel
proud, a part of something bigger than themselves, and committed to maintaining their
culture. These initiatives support the restoration of the Navajo language as a vital and active
component of the community, ensuring its transfer to succeeding generations and preserving
the language's rich cultural history.
The lack of sufficient facilities and money for language preservation projects is one of the
major obstacles to maintaining the Navajo language. Effective language revitalization efforts
need to be developed and put into action, which calls for devoted finance, skilled teachers,
instructional materials, and technical assistance. Unfortunately, establishing extensive
language preservation tasks is difficult for many Navajo communities due to a lack of
resources and money. The initiatives to revive and maintain the Navajo language may
encounter substantial challenges in the absence of proper infrastructure and money.
Native languages, like the Navajo language, are seriously threatened by the effects of
globalization and the dominance of English. Indigenous languages are being suppressed and
eclipsed more and more as civilizations grow more integrated and English replaces other
languages as the universal language. The usage of and importance placed on English by
younger generations has decreased intergenerational language transmission. The usage and
importance of indigenous languages are further reduced by the common impact of English-
emphasizing media, technology, and educational institutions. The Navajo language's
preservation and revitalization faces an enormous struggle because of English's dominance.
Addressing the issues and looking for workable solutions are essential if we are to
overcome the difficulties and shortcomings in maintaining the Navajo language. First and
foremost, there is a need for more money and help from governments, institutions of higher
learning, and organizations to provide funds expressly for language preservation initiatives.
The funding of language instructors, the development of curricula, language immersion
courses, and the provision of multimedia tools all fall under this category. To build a
complete infrastructure for language preservation, the Navajo Nation, educational
institutions, and community organizations must work together.
Additionally, it is crucial to promote the significance of the Navajo language within the
community and raise awareness of the importance of doing so. Initiatives to engage the
community, cultural activities, and collaborations with educational institutions can all help
achieve this. Younger generations might feel a sense of pride and ownership by creating
chances for intergenerational language transmission through programs such as family
language programs and mentorship programs.
1. Implementing Navajo language immersion programs in schools can give kids access
to an immersive and encouraging learning environment. The broad language training
and cultural education offered by these programs enable students to become fluent in
the Navajo language while also learning more about their cultural background.
2. The Navajo language may be used to encourage usage among Navajo communities
and raise its exposure through its use in different types of media, such as television
shows, radio shows, and internet platforms. To give the Navajo language a chance to
be heard and cherished, media outlets and content producers may play an important
role.
1. Language preservation requires the Navajo community to promote cultural pride and
ownership. It is possible to host cultural gatherings, festivals, and seminars to honor
Navajo customs, beliefs, and language. Community members are more likely to
actively participate in language revitalization activities if there is a sense of pride and
identity there.
2. Elders, fluent speakers, and language experts are invaluable resources in preserving
and transmitting the Navajo language. Their knowledge and expertise should be
recognized and respected. Creating opportunities for them to share their language
skills, stories, and cultural wisdom with younger generations through mentorship
programs and intergenerational language activities can strengthen language retention
and revitalization.
Republic of the Philippines
Conclusion
Thesis Statement Developed a strong Developed a strong Developed a strong Developed a thesis Thesis statement A clear position is
thesis and included it in thesis and included it thesis and included it statement and needs to be not present
the appropriate place in in the appropriate in the appropriate included it in the developed further or throughout the
the paper. The thesis place in the paper. place in the paper. paper. Some of the is not included in the paper.
was the focal point of The thesis was the Most of the information paper. The thesis is
the paper and was both focal point of the information supported supported the thesis not fully supported
strongly and thoroughly paper and supported the thesis statement. statement. in the paper.
supported throughout the paper.
throughout the paper.
Strong Reasons Position is supported Position is supported Position is supported Position is Reasons are weak Reasons are not
with well-developed with well-developed with a minimum of supported with a and/or repetitive. developed or are
and thought out and thought out three distinct reasons. minimum of three They need to be repetitive. Ideas
reasons (minimum of reasons (minimum of Reasons are distinct reasons. developed and can be difficult to
three). Reasons show three). Reasons are developed, but more Reasons are explained further. understand.
strong analysis and well-developed, but analysis and developed, but are
conclusions based on analysis and conclusions are more general and
the information. conclusions need to be needed. need to be
strengthened and developed further.
supports the writer’s
ideas.
Depth and Position is supported in Position is supported
Variety of depth with a variety of with a variety of
Evidence sources. Substantial sources. Valid and
valid and accurate accurate information
Republic of the Philippines Laguna
State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Level I Institutionally Accredited
information in the form has been used
of expert opinion, throughout the paper.
statistics research Most of the
studies,etc. has been information its
used throughout the relevant and supports
paper. Information is the writer’s ideas. A
relevant and supports mix of general and
the writer’s ideas. specific information is
used,
Organization Ideas are well- Most ideas are well- Organization of the Paper has some Paper has little Paper lacks
and Mechanics organized and free of organized and free of paper needs to be organization but organization and organization and
mechanical errors. mechanical errors strengthened. some diversions or many diversions, there are numerous
Mechanical errors are abrupt shifts in often shifting in mechanical errors
present throughout the purpose are present. purpose. Many which make
paper. Many mechanical mechanical errors comprehension
errors are present as are present and difficult.
well. Sentence transitions are not
structure needs to be utilized.
strengthened.
Transitions Transitional words and Some transitional Too few transitions Too few transitions Attempts made to Lack of
phrases are used to words and phrases used or used used. use appropriate transitions.
connect ideas and are used to connect correctly. transitions.
maintain coherence ideas and maintain
between paragraphs. coherence between
paragraphs.