Of Hating, Hurting, and Coming to Terms With the English Language

Abstract

This article explores the power of language and some of the barriers that face Native
literacy and attempts to describe by being a culturally appropriate way of framing
"literacy" for Aboriginal peoples. It begins with an introduction in the traditional
manner, albeit in the English language, and then illustrates how "literacy" was
taught at home. It then looks at an emerging awareness and ability to articulate what
was amiss in Native life and the power of language. Whether a mother tongue or the
colonizers' language, language can create or destroy. As a weapon it has been and
still is used to disenfranchise Aboriginal peoples. As a tool it is used to empower
Aboriginal peoples. But what is the difference? Many of our Elders survived physical
and psychological abuse in residential and mission schools because of language.
Sadly, the fallout from this trauma falls on the younger generations and those who for
a multitude of reasons have been denied our mother tongue. We are told by some of
our Elders, "You're not a real Indian if you don't speak the language." We are told by
the dominant society, "English is the only language you speak; therefore, it is your
mother tongue. ” And when we make the effort to learn our Aboriginal language we
are told, "It is one of the hardest languages in the word to learn.” Language as a tool
always empowers our people, yet all tools to work properly for us must be respected.