Understanding the Relationship Between Learning Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) and the Holistic Wellbeing of Diné Learners.

• In Event: Land, Language, and Intergenerational Learning: Indigenous Pedagogies of Place, Kinship, and Continuance Across Generations and Geographies

Abstract

Our research project examines how Diné language learning in different contexts can support the holistic wellbeing of Diné youth. We partnered with five different educational organizations (a language nest, an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, and a university), who offer Diné language education in a variety of ways. Our community-engaged research approach utilized PhotoVoice (photos represent responses to question prompts) and culturally-based practices. We have 29 participants (infants/parents to young adults), and 594 photos. This roundtable will share our preliminary findings. Our work aims to inform Diné language revitalization practices in a collective effort to counter the detrimental and harmful effects of settler colonial tactics to erase our language, cultures, and beings as five-fingered humans.

Authors

• Tiffany S. Lee, University of New Mexico

• Melvatha R Chee, University of New Mexico

• James McKenzie, University of Arizona

• Wendy S Greyeyes, University of New Mexico

• Chenoa Bah Stilwell-Jensen, University of New Mexico