Indigenous language preservation programs and language policy in education: A Web-based intertextual analysis

There are more than 6,900 known living languages in the world, half of which could be extinct within one hundred years. Approximately 150 indigenous American languages are still spoken in the United States; however, it is estimated that by the year 2050 only twenty of them will remain.;The research question addressed by this study was, In what ways do educational standards impact indigenous language preservation efforts? During the process of determining the impact of state policies and standards on language preservation program implementation, the context for the programs and the process of bridging the differences between university research procedures and building relationships with Indian tribes was explored.;Using policy documents available online through state department of education websites, the study used intertextual analysis and a set of criteria to evaluate of the degree of alignment of state standards with the national standards movement and with national content standards, and to evaluate the degree to which state education standards are compatible with American Indian language and cultural preservation efforts.;States that had policy support for American Indian language preservation programs were those least closely aligned with the national standards movement and grounded their education standards in state needs and values. These states had formal venues for American Indian participation in policy development, gave foreign language credit for American Indian languages, addressed American Indian sovereignty in social studies standards or benchmarks, and included standards on cultural processes.;Language preservation programs are a part of the struggle for the cultural and economic self-determination of indigenous peoples. These programs often operate within public school systems governed by laws and policies that are linked both with the goals of economic globalization and with basic human rights. This study explored the congruity of these policies, and their impact on indigenous language preservation programs. Its purpose was to provide information that can be used for planning and advocacy for indigenous language preservation programs that reflect the interests and values of indigenous cultural and linguistic communities.