Despite
these obstacles, Lakota has a slight, though significant
chance of being revitalized:
•
Lakota populations are growing three times faster
than in the rest of South Dakota - at about 2.5%
per annum. At this rate, the current population
of the 90,000 Sioux in South Dakota will double
by 2030 (2000 US Census). These figures suggest
there is a large enough population to create a
large speaker base and a sustainable language
community.
•
The Lakota language is well documented. There
have been many linguistic studies of the language
with a diverse set of lexicons and literature.
These create an important structural basis for
a future language community.
•
Lakota is also a widely recognized language, being
used inter-tribally, nationally and internationally
as a language for ceremony, ritual, and public
speaking. Its stature among non-Lakotas helps
it expand its utility and potential speaker base.
•
Lakota people have a deep interest in preserving
and using their language. Lakota people are actively
practicing their religion and culture in ever
increasing numbers. Knowledge of their language
is an important part of this trend.
The
LLC language revitalization strategy is focused
on creating a new generation of Lakota speakers.
The initiative utilizes the large existing network
of Lakota schools, pre-schools, and day care centers
to educate children from an early age in Lakota
as second language. The goal is to achieve proficiency
among students by the 5th-8th grades, and is modeled
on similar early-elementary second language teaching
methods in used in other parts of the world.
LLC
pursues multiple approaches to language restoration
by offering a diverse set of teaching modalities,
including: a sequenced series of elementary Lakota
language textbooks, Audio
CD accompaniers, sequenced multimedia CDROM
lessons, picture
books, visual
aids, and teacher trainings. In addition,
many LLC efforts go into creating group solidarity
among Lakota educators to encourage language revitalization,
the promotion of immersion teaching environments,
the use of mass media, as well as many additional
projects.
