The Navajo Language, known natively as Diné bizaad, is a vibrant and complex language belonging to the Athabaskan language family. This family is part of the larger Na-Dené linguistic stock. Spoken primarily in the southwestern United States, Navajo stands as a significant exception to the geographical distribution of its linguistic relatives. Most Athabaskan languages are found far to the north, in the vast expanses of northwest Canada and Alaska. This unique positioning makes Navajo both geographically and linguistically a member of the Southern Athabaskan branch.
With a speaker population estimated between 120,000 and 170,700, the Navajo language boasts the largest number of speakers among Native American languages north of the U.S.-Mexico border. This impressive figure underscores the cultural significance and historical importance of the language within the Navajo Nation and the broader Native American community. The enduring presence of Diné bizaad reflects the resilience of the Navajo people and their commitment to preserving their unique cultural identity.
Historically, Navajo served as the primary means of communication within the Navajo reservation. Up until the period following World War II, daily life, commerce, and community interactions were largely conducted in Navajo. However, the latter half of the 20th century witnessed a gradual shift. Increased exposure to and adoption of English began to erode the dominance of Navajo, leading to a gradual decline in its usage. This transition, driven by various socio-economic factors, posed a significant threat to the language’s long-term viability.
The most alarming aspect of this linguistic shift is the decreasing number of children learning Navajo language as their first language. This decline has rendered Navajo an endangered language, despite the relatively high number of current speakers. The intergenerational transmission of language is crucial for its survival, and the failure to pass on Navajo to younger generations poses a serious threat to its future.
Data from 1981 revealed that approximately 85% of Navajo children spoke Navajo as their first language. This figure represented a strong foundation for the language’s continued vitality. However, more recent surveys paint a drastically different picture. These surveys indicate that the percentage of Navajo children who speak Navajo as their first language has plummeted to around 25%. This precipitous drop underscores the urgency of addressing the language endangerment crisis facing the Navajo Nation.
A 1991 survey conducted among 4,073 students in the Navajo Reservation Head Start program provided further insights into the language shift occurring among young children. The survey found that 54% of the 682 preschoolers surveyed were monolingual English speakers, indicating a significant immersion in English from an early age. 28% were bilingual in English and Navajo, representing a degree of language preservation. However, only 18% were monolingual Navajo speakers, highlighting the diminishing presence of the language as the primary means of communication for young children.
The 1991 study also uncovered a concerning trend within the Head Start program itself. Despite the fact that the preschooler staff were typically bilingual Navajo speakers, they primarily communicated with the children in English. Similarly, most parents reported speaking to their children in English more often than in Navajo. This created a situation of "almost total immersion in English" for the preschoolers, further accelerating the shift away from Navajo. This unintentional prioritization of English, even by those who were fluent in Navajo, contributed to the erosion of the language’s presence in the lives of young children.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Navajo Nation has undertaken various initiatives to revitalize and preserve the Navajo language. In 1986, the tribe established a Navajo-language immersion program at Fort Defiance Elementary School. This program aimed to create an environment where Navajo was the primary language of instruction and communication, thereby fostering fluency and appreciation for the language among students.
Following the success of the Fort Defiance program, other bilingual immersion schools have been established throughout Navajo-speaking regions. These schools provide a valuable resource for children to learn and use Navajo in a structured educational setting. By immersing students in the language, these programs aim to counteract the dominance of English and promote the long-term survival of Navajo.
Beyond formal education, efforts to preserve and promote the Navajo Language extend to the realm of media. KTNN, an AM radio station, broadcasts in both Navajo and English, offering a diverse range of programming including music and NFL games. This provides a platform for the language to be heard and used in a contemporary context, connecting it to popular culture and everyday life. Similarly, AM station KNDN also broadcasts in Navajo, further expanding the reach of the language through radio.
A significant milestone in the recognition and promotion of Navajo occurred in 1996, when a Super Bowl broadcast was translated into the language. This marked the first time the event was carried in a Native American language, bringing Navajo to a national audience and celebrating its cultural significance. This event served as a powerful symbol of the Navajo Nation’s commitment to preserving its language and heritage.
To ensure that the Navajo language remains relevant and adaptable to modern life, efforts have been made to expand its vocabulary to encompass contemporary topics such as sports, politics, and technology. This ongoing linguistic development ensures that Navajo can be used to discuss a wide range of subjects, reflecting the evolving needs and interests of its speakers. By incorporating new terms and concepts, the language remains dynamic and capable of expressing the complexities of the modern world.
The advent of Navajo language keyboards represents another significant step forward in promoting the use of the language in the digital age. The Android Navajo keyboard was introduced on August 31, 2013, allowing users to easily type in Navajo on their mobile devices. Prior to this, a Navajo language keyboard had been available for iPhone users since November 2012. These keyboards make it easier for Navajo speakers to communicate in their native language online, fostering a sense of community and cultural connection in the digital realm.
In 2013, the cultural significance of the Navajo language was further highlighted by the translation of the iconic film Star Wars (1977) into Navajo. This marked the first time a major motion picture had been translated into any Native American language, showcasing the linguistic capabilities of Navajo and its potential to engage with global audiences. This ambitious project served as a testament to the dedication and skill of Navajo translators and the enduring power of the language to connect with people across cultures. The Navajo version of Star Wars provided a unique opportunity for Navajo speakers to experience a beloved film in their native language, further solidifying its cultural relevance.