SDLC 105-Journal 9

[Christy Buranaamorn]

Based on “Tribe Revives Language on Verge of Extinction” by Kirk Johnson, this article gave me a new perspective on how languages need to be maintained in order for them to not become completely extinct. A new light was shed on the language of Siletz Dee-ni, an American Indian language with only five speakers left. It is essential to create a pool of speakers large enough so that it will not disappear first of all. Secondly, this article addresses the need for dictionaries for the language to be created officially. It is amazing that this language was able to survive through songs used for native dances. Thirdly, the institutionalization of education systems that teach Siletz Dee-ni has become more prevalent, creating an arena for people to learn this beautiful and ancient language. This structure will help this language to flourish and hopefully, it will thrive with time. Therefore I gleaned alot from this article-so many factors go into keeping a language alive that I have never considered, having English as my first language. In a way, I have taken for granted how accessible and dominant the English language is and it was a neat experience to attempt to put myself in the shoes of someone whose language is on the verge of extinction. This would be a scary and terrifying feeling in my opinion yet I am glad that there is hope for the future of Siletz Dee-ni, based on the findings of this article.