Family at the Heart of Chickasaw Language Reclamation
Abstract
The Chickasaw Nation faces rapid and unprecedented decline of its language, Chikashshanompa'. As a result, community members are growing increasingly aware of the importance of the language to identity and culture, and language reclamation has emerged as a dynamic project requiring commitment from all generations. This article argues that despite the traumas of physical, cultural, and linguistic genocide, contemporary Chickasaw citizens are moving forward and re-envisioning the role of language in the community. In doing so, family has emerged to be at the heart of their efforts. In-depth interviews with community members representing multiple generations illuminated unique perspectives on the importance of Chikashshanompa' to the strengthening of Chickasaw families. The article begins with a personal account of my own experiences as a Chikashshanompa' language learner, followed by a historical overview of Chikashshanompa' decline. I then present a discussion of contemporary Chickasaw language revitalization efforts situated within the theoretical concepts of language reclamation, survivance, and linguistic responsibility. Culturally-grounded research methods frame my analysis of emerging themes, including: (1) elders’ desire to ensure Chickasaw survivance through the language, (2) parents’ responsibility to pass the language to their children, and (3) young peoples’ yearning to speak Chikashshanompa' and developing consciousness of Chickasaw identity. This is a post-review version of the article “Family at the Heart of Chickasaw Language Reclamation” by Kari A. B. Chew in The American Indian Quarterly and available through Project Muse at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/578010. Copyright University of Nebraska Press: https://nebraskapressjournals.unl.edu/journal/american-indian-quarterly/.
Citation
Chew, K.A.B. (2015). Family at the Heart of Chickasaw Language Reclamation. The American Indian Quarterly 39(2), 154-179. Project MUSE, http://muse.jhu.edu/article/578010
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
DUAL LANGUAGE LEARNERS IN PRESCHOOL: A MULTI-CASE STUDY ON HOW THE LANGUAGE ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTS LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Kelly, Janice (2015)The increase of dual language learners in today’s classrooms have caused serious implications when examining how the country educates children (McWayne, Melzi, Schick, Kennedy, & Mundt, 2013). Because of the cultural and ... -
Language Epiphany and Flow Theory: A Phenomenological Study of Successful Language Learners’ Perspective on Their Language Experience
Rahouti, Noumane (2015-05-08)This qualitative research is a phenomenological study of successful language learners’ perspectives on their language experiences. It looks at different particularities among successful language learners and extract possible ... -
Second language interference during first language processing by Arabic-English bilinguals
Alsaigh, Tahani; Kennison, Shelia M. (Frontiers Media, 2017-11-07)The research investigated whether a bilinguals' second language (L2) is activated during a task involving only the first language (L1). We tested the hypothesis that the amount of L2 interference can vary across settings, ...