Navajo Language Essay

698 Words3 Pages

The Navajo Nation extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. The Navajo language was used to create a secret code to battle the Japanese. They developed a dictionary and numerous words for military terms. The dictionary and all code words had to be memorized during training. Approximately 400 Navajos were trained as code talkers. These men are recognized as the famous Navajo Code Talkers, who exemplify the unequaled bravery and patriotism of the Navajo people. If it was not for the Navajo Code Talker's, the Marines would have never taken Iwo Jima.
The discovery of oil on Navajo land in the early 1920's promoted the need for a more systematic form of government, when the Navajo Nation became known as a wealthy nation. Navajo government …show more content…

Their mission is to restore the balance between Navajo culture, life and land. Thus far even Non-Navajos in the classroom like Persian, African-American, Bilagáana, are even learning the language and faster than the Navajo students. This demonstrates the success of teaching and conserving the Navajo language. Teachers are doing as much as possible to conserve their language they teach the Navajo to younger generations in an effort to prevent it from disappearing with the passing of tribal …show more content…

Losing their language is like losing their identity. The revitalization of the language in the schools helps to maintain the Navajo culture and identity alive. No matter how small a population is, I don't think it's right to let a culture die. According to UCLA Language Materials Project, Navajo is spoken by approximately 150,000 speakers, and is widely credited as being the strongest of the indigenous languages of the United States. The Navajos are doing a great job by keeping their culture and language going to the generations yet to