For millennia, the Washoe people have called the Carson Valley and its surrounding landscapes home. Their rich culture, deeply intertwined with the land, is reflected in their unique and complex language. While largely unknown to the outside world, this linguistic treasure has found a dedicated champion in William H. Jacobsen Jr., a Reno-based linguist recognized as the foremost expert on the Washoe language. This article delves into Jacobsen’s invaluable contributions to the preservation and understanding of this endangered tongue, exploring his work, his concerns, and the future of the Washoe language.
William H. Jacobsen Jr.’s journey into the world of linguistics began long before he focused his efforts on Washoe. His academic pursuits led him to Harvard, where he immersed himself in the study of 12th-century French and Spanish. This early exposure to language fueled a lifelong passion for understanding the intricate structures and cultural significance embedded within different linguistic systems. After Harvard, Jacobsen continued his academic journey at the University of California, where he would eventually encounter the Washoe language and embark on a path that would define his career.
In the 1950s, while a graduate student at the University of California, Jacobsen ventured into the Carson Valley, drawn by the opportunity to study Washoe, sometimes spelled Washo by linguists. At the time, Washoe was an exclusively oral language, passed down through generations by word of mouth. There was no standardized written form, making it particularly vulnerable to the pressures of assimilation and the dominance of English. This realization ignited a fire in Jacobsen, compelling him to dedicate himself to documenting and preserving this linguistic heritage.
The task before Jacobsen was monumental. He had to not only learn to speak Washoe fluently but also to analyze its grammatical structure, identify its unique phonetic features, and devise a consistent writing system. He immersed himself in the community, listening intently to the elders, the keepers of the language, and meticulously recording their words. He observed the nuances of pronunciation, the subtle shifts in meaning, and the intricate grammatical rules that governed the language.
For centuries, Washoe had been a spoken language. Jacobsen learned to speak it fluently. It wasn’t written down, so Jacobsen wrote it down. This simple statement encapsulates the magnitude of his contribution. He didn’t merely document the language; he gave it a tangible form, a system of writing that would allow future generations to learn, study, and perpetuate their linguistic heritage. He essentially built the bridge between the oral tradition and the written word, ensuring that the Washoe language would not be lost to the passage of time.
Laura Fillmore, former director of the Washoe tribe’s language program, emphasizes the significance of Jacobsen’s work, stating, "He’s responsible for the writing system we are using. He’s a brilliant linguist." Her words underscore the profound impact Jacobsen has had on the Washoe community, providing them with the tools necessary to revitalize and sustain their language.
After dedicating years to studying the Washoe language, Jacobsen compiled his research into a comprehensive 700-page dissertation on Washoe grammar. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for his later publications, including "Beginning Washo," a textbook released in 1996. This book, a culmination of his life’s work, provides a comprehensive introduction to the Washoe language, making it accessible to students, researchers, and members of the Washoe community alike.
Warren L. d’Azevedo, a former anthropology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), praised Jacobsen’s dedication and expertise upon the book’s release. He stated, "William Jacobsen has devoted four decades of research and scholarship to the analysis of the Washoe language and is recognized as its foremost linguistic expert. All recent students of Washoe culture are indebted to him for his generous guidance in accurate translation of terms and texts, and for his role in standardizing written Washoe."
Jacobsen’s contributions extend beyond the academic realm. He has generously shared his knowledge with the Washoe community, working closely with tribal members to develop language programs and educational materials. His dedication to empowering the Washoe people to reclaim their language has earned him the respect and admiration of the entire community.
Despite his monumental achievements, Jacobsen remains humble about his work. With a chuckle, he admits, "I kind of fooled Azevedo. I’m not as good as he thinks I am." This self-deprecating humor belies the depth of his knowledge and the profound impact he has had on the field of linguistics and the Washoe community.
However, Jacobsen’s optimism is tempered by a deep concern for the future of the Washoe language. He acknowledges the immense challenges it faces in a world dominated by English. He recalls a time when the road between Gardnerville and the Washoe community of Dresslerville was unpaved, a stark reminder of the historical marginalization of the Washoe people and their culture.
He laments the decline in the number of fluent Washoe speakers. According to a survey conducted by Fillmore, the number of Washoe speakers has dwindled from 65, mostly elders, to a mere 30. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of language revitalization efforts.
"It’s going to die," Jacobsen states with a heavy heart. He anticipates that the Washoe language will eventually be overwhelmed by English, mirroring the fate of many other tribal languages in California. He attributes this decline to the pervasive influence of television, economics, and popular culture, all of which are conducted primarily in English.
"It’s hopeless," Jacobsen admits, though he continues to write and lecture on Washoe and other endangered tongues. "Languages are dying like flies all over the place." He observes that while older members of tribes may still speak their native languages, it is increasingly difficult to transmit this knowledge to younger generations who are constantly immersed in English.
He draws a parallel to the situation in California, where "there were 100 languages. Now, most are dying out." He points out that Spanish and white settlers initiated the erosion of native languages, and now television, economics, and popular culture are completing the process.
While some young people express a desire to learn their tribal languages as a way to connect with their identity and heritage, others are drawn to the economic opportunities associated with English proficiency. This creates a dilemma for language revitalization efforts, as individuals must weigh the cultural value of their native language against the practical benefits of English fluency.
Jacobsen believes that the dwindling number of speakers further diminishes the incentive for young people to learn Washoe. With fewer individuals to teach them and fewer opportunities to practice the language, the task of language acquisition becomes increasingly daunting.
Despite the grim outlook, Fillmore remains hopeful that the trend can be reversed. She has taught literacy in Washoe to a handful of elders and has instructed 50 students based on Jacobsen’s work. Her hope is that these children will eventually become teachers themselves, perpetuating the language for future generations.
Beyond his work on the Washoe language, Jacobsen has also studied and documented other endangered languages, including the language of the Makah tribe, who reside on the tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. His broad knowledge of linguistics extends to ancient languages as well. He taught a class at UNR in Sanskrit, a language of India that dates back to the fourth century B.C.
Jacobsen emphasizes that "all languages are difficult, whether they’re tribal or not." He himself began his linguistic journey with Spanish, followed by French and Latin in high school. His diverse linguistic background has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of language learning.
When asked about the number of languages he knows, Jacobsen simply replies, "I haven’t counted lately," highlighting his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of linguistics. William H. Jacobsen Jr.’s dedication to the Washoe language serves as a testament to the importance of linguistic preservation and the power of one individual to make a difference in the face of cultural loss. His work ensures that the Washoe language, a vital part of the Washoe people’s identity, will not be forgotten. The Reno linguist has truly made a significant impact. Reno linguist is considered a treasure. The Reno linguist is a humble man.