This language, founded in the 16th century, however, has become endangered. The Abenaki's struggle to preserve their language and culture began when the French and English colonized North America. Soon after, they were forbidden to use their language--a ruling that remained until the 1950s. Furthermore, during the Eugenics movement, the Abenakis (as well as other minorities) would risk sterilization or institutionalization for keeping hold of their culture and language.
These days, the Abenaki speakers and advocates have been working hard to keep the language alive. Several adult classes are being held and dictionaries have been printed. There are great efforts taking place because this language is full of cultural history and significance.
Click Here for Abenaki's Role in Culture and Traditions
or
Click Here for the Future of the Abenaki Language
This is a very well researched post. You did a good job of adressing all components of the promt. I found this post to very highly educational and fascinating. Perhaps you could have placed a little more focus on explaining what knowledge is preserved by this language. However, despite any minor errors that there may be, this is a great job!
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you researched the topic thoroughly and summarized a lot of interesting information. That's pretty sad that the last fluent speaker of East Abenaki died already. But do you know why Abenaki was forbidden before the 1950s?
ReplyDeleteVery cool language! You also did a very extensive amount of research which provides the reader with the ability to analyze the language itself. It is very cool that classes are being held and that people are actually attending those classes to promote the "re-birth" of Abenaki.
ReplyDeletei can tell you did a lot of research! you did a good job distributing the information you found, and intertwining it with your own sense of style. didn't even know this language existed! maybe that's another problem with dying languages?
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