Language Loss Seminar ELNG 200

Chelsey, Jenna, Jessica, Tanya

What is Language Loss?
Language loss not only involves the eradication of an individuals or a whole groups mother
tongue but includes loss of their culture, loss of relationships with older generations of their kin
group, and loss of their identity.
Consequences of Language Loss
Language loss is frequently seen as a loss of social identity or as a symbol of defeat by a colonial
power, but mainly, it results in the loss of perceived identity. Much of the cultural, spiritual, and
intellectual life of a people is experienced through language. Even when these things are
refashioned in the new language, there is still a loss of tradition that occurs.
Residential Schools
Residential Schools were intended to civilize Aboriginal children. They were forced to speak
English and were punished when they spoke in their mother tongue. The effects include a deep
rooted generational gap between child and parents in succession, and studies have shown a link
between residential schools and rates of alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide among Aboriginal
people.
Calls to Action
Of the 94 Calls to Action created by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada about
reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples, approximately 7 incorporate language to some degree.
An important one in the Education section is:
10. iv. Protecting the right to Aboriginal languages, including the teaching of Aboriginal
languages as credit courses.
Treaty Education Outcomes
Another important step the government is taking to try to preserve Aboriginal language is
incorporating it into some of the Treaty Education outcomes. Looking through all of the
outcomes, language loss or language assimilation were identified in these specific outcomes:
TPP3.4: Explore how the use of different languages in treaty making presented
challenges and how those challenges impact people today.
TPP4.4: Examine the objectives of the First Nations and British Crowns representatives
in negotiating treaty.
SI6.2: Analyze the importance of the preservation and promotion of First Nations and
Mtis languages.
SI8.2: Assess the impact residential schools have on First Nations communities.
EAL Teachers Role
3 primary areas in which the EAL teacher is key to supporting native languages in students:
1. Communicating with the parents and families.
2. Effectively conveying heritage languages to all students as a positive, rather than a
negative.
3. Accurately and compassionately interpreting the specific languages and their cultures
within the classroom.