Question 1. How important is it for students to learn their heritage language (if other than English)?
Learning of one’s heritage is very important. It can help build a foundation of one’s self in terms of beliefs, traditions and/or religion. It can provide a sense of self which can build a child’s confidence and sense of belonging.
Language is important for identity development
I think it’s best that we learn our heritage language, so we can know where we came from.
I want my child to be able to communicate with others.
So they don’t lose their language
Grandpas and grandmas
Students spend a majority of their time at school-9 months out of the year and part of the time spent should be learning another language
Heritage is a part of history and is extremely important to maintain
Language is a part of culture and heritage. We need to preserve and inform our children and community.
Student mental health depends on a solid connection to identity and self.
Language is a part of culture and identity.
Supporting at home first – then continue in schools
Children learning their heritage language is crucial because as they grow older, they begin to discover who they are and their purposes, to have that cultural knowledge behind them encourages them in adulthood.
Brain theory supports expansion of critical thinking and validates oral literacy. US only country that is English only – not globally sufficient.
To keep traditions going
Language is a great tool to keep heritage alive
As a Navajo, it is very important to hold on to our language. I wish our kids had it taught to them at school at an early age
So they won’t forget their culture
Keep traditions alive
I like the idea of keeping tradition, especially language
It helps students to learn other subjects
I believe it’s important. However, with a limited number of native speakers, it’s hard to teach and learn the language.
Hardly knows Navajo but understands
The importance of learning their language is great. We need more programs that help with that.
Since 1492 the eradication of indigenous peoples was inflicted through the colonization. Languages and cultures have historically been wiped out. English is not a global language. Communities should have diversity in languages. We are on stolen land, let communities have their languages.
Identity is the foundation of wellbeing.
We are Spanish speakers and we go back to Mexico pretty often and he needs to know Spanish
Language is very important. It is a person’s identity. Right now, in the Navajo language, the language is dying. If it dies out, the language and culture could be gone.
Heritage language helps maintain cultural ties and history. It builds identity and diversity.
It is important for families to keep their heritage and continue to pass native language on the future generations.
It is important for a student to learn and understand their heritage language
Language and culture are important for understanding/respecting multiple cultures.
TESOL/language acquisition strategies demonstrate a clear connection between heritage languages and ELA proficiency.
It allows students to be aware of where they are coming from.
It is vital because nowadays, the Diné language is falling silent. Not many students know their language.
It’s important to keep their heritage of culture alive and active.
But, it should be fun to learn and not graded (vs. shame based or under pressure).
All language connects us to our history/ancestors. Learning multiple languages expands/trains our minds for more learning!
Home and school will help in communication in both languages
It’s important for them so they are able to have their language and culture survive.
Not grade based
Bridge the communication gap. Also open doors to cultural exchange.
It supports who they are! Instills a sense of pride, knowledge and inclusive.
We need to share heritage of all people!
Cultural arts has been eliminated in most schools, along with Humanities and History, from Caesar Chaves to Manuelito. Students need to learn language and history.
It’s extremely important to support their culture and traditions. A lot of them are fading away, including their language.
Language is history, and learning the heritage language will allow students to share history and cultural experience with their families and children.
Heritage is critical in developing a strong identity.
Culture lives in language.
Getting a glimpse of their language gives the child a touch of culture and some knowing of where they come from.
Heritage might be important to the family.
The students need to learn about their culture identity
If kids want to learn their heritage language they should be able to.
I think it’s very important for students to learn their heritage language as well as others. This allows a person to grow up respecting one another.
Because children are not able to speak or understand their own language
It is important because some heritage is dying off and not being learned.
They should be able to learn and utilize their language while in school and be supported in that.
Because this represents their identity
It is important for students to have a sense of identity with their culture
It is beneficial for all students to access to learning a second language.
Culture is founded in language and customs. Heritage language is vital for cultural identity and overall wellbeing.
If they want to learn, then they should be able to do so.
It would be good for students to learn their heritage language