If there is one thing I have realized in the last few weeks it is that language provides a source of identity and belonging. I guess it always crossed my mind in the past when I would travel or play the “no talking” game but it never really occurred to me the level of belonging you get from knowing a language until the first week of this class and the coming weeks afterwards.
I have been to five different countries four of which English is not the mother tongue and not being able to communicate was a struggle. Having to use interpreters was annoying and I always felt lost and confused. Everyone seemed to know what was going on except for me (or at least that is what it felt like). For the past two summers I participated in Explore program and when I was not able to use English I felt as though I part of me was missing. I take great pride in being funny and making jokes and not really being about to do that was hard. Moreover, I am a very sarcastic person who makes a lot of witty comments but not knowing any slang or conversational words made me feel as though a cat had my tongue.
I cannot imagine how young Aboriginal children felt when they were not able to speak their mother tongue. I mean my worst consequence was wishing I could speak Spanish, Italian etc. and just getting someone else to do it for me or using grand hand gestures but getting abused, tongue cut, put in a closet amongst other horrid things just seems unbearable. I know I will never know what it felt like but attempting to use some empathy makes me feel gross and disgusting because no human should ever have to feel that way. To me residential schools should be considered crimes against humanity and someone or groups of people (the government?) should be held responsible for destroying thousands of lives.
Beyond the residential schools occurrences such as the “domestication” of Aboriginal people and limiting their rights has led to a loss of some of their languages and a decrease in those that speak it which as we discussed in class and have seen in various articles or documents have detrimental effects. It is important that these languages pick up again and are taught because they are so much more than words but have cultural significance and give people an identity. As I have recently learned Aboriginal languages were created based on the environment and the surroundings of set tribe and therefore no matter where someone was located if they were to learn the language of their people then they would not only feel a sense of belonging but they would be able to learn about their history and where they came from. Since most Aboriginal knowledge is passed through oral methods language has got to be one of the biggest ways to do so and if language is lost then there is a huge disconnect in generations and Aboriginal people and as a matter of fact anyone who lost their mother tongue would lose a part of them and their ancestry. It is imperative that something changes and Aboriginal languages are revitalised so that we as people can be whole again.
I also believe that if Canadians were to learn Aboriginal languages especially in school from a young age we would not only be able to learn more about Canadian history but I feel as though there would potentially be less of a disconnect between Aboriginals and the rest of Canada. There would be a closer bond and more of a mutual understanding which would bring us all together.
Aboriginal pedagogy creates that sense of belonging and “better” foundation of knowledge. It covers all angles of life but what I love most about it is that there is no pressure to learn and you learn what you believe and find necessary. There is no judgement and your only responsibility is paying respects in whatever manner needed to those who helped you be who you are which makes total sense. You are not trying or forced to be someone you are not and you are not getting graded (which I love). I think that to a certain degree all cultures and ways of life not only require control but try to control you but what I find different in Aboriginal teaching is that there is more of a sense of community and social responsibility as opposed to the capitalism crap that gets shoved down our throats. Overall I think that we all should adopt this way of thinking because it seems like it creates a better self and community.
Once again I am in awe of this class because it is teaching me the importance of being me and it reinforces all of the goals and ambitions I wanted but could never define. I do not think I will ever be able to thank you as much as is needed because even this reflection paper alone has changed me.
I have been to five different countries four of which English is not the mother tongue and not being able to communicate was a struggle. Having to use interpreters was annoying and I always felt lost and confused. Everyone seemed to know what was going on except for me (or at least that is what it felt like). For the past two summers I participated in Explore program and when I was not able to use English I felt as though I part of me was missing. I take great pride in being funny and making jokes and not really being about to do that was hard. Moreover, I am a very sarcastic person who makes a lot of witty comments but not knowing any slang or conversational words made me feel as though a cat had my tongue.
I cannot imagine how young Aboriginal children felt when they were not able to speak their mother tongue. I mean my worst consequence was wishing I could speak Spanish, Italian etc. and just getting someone else to do it for me or using grand hand gestures but getting abused, tongue cut, put in a closet amongst other horrid things just seems unbearable. I know I will never know what it felt like but attempting to use some empathy makes me feel gross and disgusting because no human should ever have to feel that way. To me residential schools should be considered crimes against humanity and someone or groups of people (the government?) should be held responsible for destroying thousands of lives.
Beyond the residential schools occurrences such as the “domestication” of Aboriginal people and limiting their rights has led to a loss of some of their languages and a decrease in those that speak it which as we discussed in class and have seen in various articles or documents have detrimental effects. It is important that these languages pick up again and are taught because they are so much more than words but have cultural significance and give people an identity. As I have recently learned Aboriginal languages were created based on the environment and the surroundings of set tribe and therefore no matter where someone was located if they were to learn the language of their people then they would not only feel a sense of belonging but they would be able to learn about their history and where they came from. Since most Aboriginal knowledge is passed through oral methods language has got to be one of the biggest ways to do so and if language is lost then there is a huge disconnect in generations and Aboriginal people and as a matter of fact anyone who lost their mother tongue would lose a part of them and their ancestry. It is imperative that something changes and Aboriginal languages are revitalised so that we as people can be whole again.
I also believe that if Canadians were to learn Aboriginal languages especially in school from a young age we would not only be able to learn more about Canadian history but I feel as though there would potentially be less of a disconnect between Aboriginals and the rest of Canada. There would be a closer bond and more of a mutual understanding which would bring us all together.
Aboriginal pedagogy creates that sense of belonging and “better” foundation of knowledge. It covers all angles of life but what I love most about it is that there is no pressure to learn and you learn what you believe and find necessary. There is no judgement and your only responsibility is paying respects in whatever manner needed to those who helped you be who you are which makes total sense. You are not trying or forced to be someone you are not and you are not getting graded (which I love). I think that to a certain degree all cultures and ways of life not only require control but try to control you but what I find different in Aboriginal teaching is that there is more of a sense of community and social responsibility as opposed to the capitalism crap that gets shoved down our throats. Overall I think that we all should adopt this way of thinking because it seems like it creates a better self and community.
Once again I am in awe of this class because it is teaching me the importance of being me and it reinforces all of the goals and ambitions I wanted but could never define. I do not think I will ever be able to thank you as much as is needed because even this reflection paper alone has changed me.