Native American Languages and Language Endangerment

Language Families

Groups of related languages sharing a common ancestor.

Language Endangerment

Risk of a language becoming extinct or unused.

Sleeping Language

A language with no native speakers remaining.

Language Reclamation

Efforts to revive and restore a language.

Code Talkers

Native American soldiers using languages in WWII.

Montaukett Act

Legislation concerning the Montaukett Indian Nation.

Demographic Info

Statistical data about Native American populations.

Governmental Suppression

Policies aimed at diminishing Native American cultures.

Forced Removal

Displacement of Native Americans from their lands.

Assimilation

Process of integrating Native Americans into mainstream culture.

Native American Boarding Schools

Institutions aimed at educating Native American children.

Goals of Boarding Schools

To assimilate Native American children into Western culture.

Language Endangerment Continuum

Framework categorizing languages by their risk of extinction.

Language Revitalization

Efforts to increase the number of speakers of a language.

Tribes on Long Island

More than 10 Native American tribes reside here.

Native American Act of 1992

Legislation supporting Native American rights and languages.

Inaccurate Statements

False claims regarding Native American languages and tribes.

Accurate Statements

True claims about Native American languages and history.

Language Preservation

Efforts to maintain and protect a language.

Cultural Heritage

Traditions and languages passed through generations.

Federal Recognition

Official acknowledgment of a Native American tribe.