Professor Recognized for Language Revitalization Work
Language is a critical building block for society, something that needs to be preserved, nourished and used for a culture to thrive.
University of Northern British Columbia Assistant Professor of First Nations Studies Edosdi - Dr. Judy Thompson understands the fundamental importance of language revitalization to Indigenous communities across British Columbia and around the world. Edosdi, which literally translates to someone who raises up pets and children, and can be interpreted as someone who is a teacher, recently received a for service to her community.
Language can be healing for people, Edosdi says. It is important for us to have safe spaces for our Elders to use our language with each other and to be teaching the next generation of Tahltan speakers.
For nearly six years, Edosdi has worked with her nation as the director of Tahltan language and culture. Her academic research has informed Dah Dz戔ahge Nodes戔ide, the Tahltan language and culture council. The name translates to we are speaking our language again, and the group has had many successes to celebrate.
They have created two language nests, where children between the ages of six months and four years of age are immersed in the language.
It has been amazing to see the impact of the language nests the past four years, Edosdi says. When I go there and visit and get to see the toddlers understanding and speaking our language, it is very powerful.
The nests are one step towards Edosdis goal of having more proficient speakers to keep the languages alive for generations to come. The next step could include an immersion elementary school, but Edosdi is also focused on finding more opportunities for adults to rediscover and learn their language.
The only way we are going to keep our languages alive is to have it in the home, so were working towards that, she says.
Edosdi was also the editor of an alphabet book, Dah Dz戔ahge Es戔igits, which translates to we write our language. The book features Tatan words and phrases with accompanying artwork by three Tahltan artists.
Edosdis work with her community ties directly to her research agenda at 蹤獲扞⑹, which includes identifying ways to evaluate the success of revitalization efforts. She is currently working on three language revitalization papers, including sharing examples of experiences, activities, and best practices in the nests.
One of the most important things Ive found is that we need to share what we are doing with others, she says. We have learned from Indigenous scholars, as well as Indigenous nations and communities, involved in similar efforts. Sharing and promoting language revitalization experiences is vital.