Emotions And Language Revitalization

Tues. 04/21 11a: We all agree that it is important to speak our Indigenous languages. Learning a language is hard work and it’s even harder to for an entire community to start speaking again. Some feel that it is critically important to continue a language with only a few speakers left. But not everyone is able to spend the time learning their Indigenous language. This can lead to a range of emotions, including guilt. Is feeling guilty for not speaking your language a good thing? Can it motivate you to get moving? Or does it create an overwhelming feeling of fatalism? Learning a language is much more than just memorizing the words or even speaking with someone in conversation. How can communities and individuals prepare for the emotions associated with reviving their language?