Language is the Culture

I learned something very valuable in my Native American circles -- without language, there is no culture.

Native American people are striving to sustain their languages, because they know once the language goes, so does the culture. Nuances in a language, expression, innuendo, perspective, double meaning (double entendre), 40 ways to say 'I love you', and the actual sound of a word and how that word is uttered -- all these elements of language contribute to its culture.

Watch Your Mouth

There are many words in our English language that have become part of our every day colloquialisms. Some of those words are actually derogatory remarks or references about Native Americans, which found their way into our vocabulary centuries ago. While some of those words seem harmless, they misrepresent or negate Native American people and cultures.

Reconnecting The Circle highlights some choice words on its website in the 'Watch Your Mouth' section. 

Consider how your own language has evolved over the years and how some words contribute to changing our culture, positively or negatively. Consider expressions like "phat", "ho", "hiphop", "WMD" (weapons of mass destruction), "real change", "just do it", etc. Consider every time there's a new catchphrase in the news about politics or a geographic location or media event and then think about how it affects you and your perspective on the world. Language is powerful. Language is the culture.

Challenge: What are your ideas for sustaining Native American languages? Send them to me.