What is the status of BC First nations languages? - First Peoples

What does language status mean?SpeakerThe term speaker is often used when describingthe status of a language; the number of speakersis used to measure the level of endangerment.Who qualifies as a speaker varies to a considerabledegree. For some, to be a speaker requires that thelanguage be one’s mother tongue (first languagespoken from birth); while for others a speaker issomeone who speaks the language at home tosome extent (anywhere from rarely to sometimesto always). Still, others define a speaker as someonewho has a certain degree of proficiency in thelanguage, while for others still, a speaker is someonewho is learning the language- no matter how farthey have progressed. 12 Based on self-assessmentby communities, we have differentiated three typesof speakers, fluent speakers, semi-speakers, andlearners and these terms are defined in this section.Fluent SpeakerA fluent speaker is someone who speaks andunderstands the language to a degree that theyself-identify or are identified by fellow communitymembers as having the ability to converse and understandthe language with no use of English. Usuallythis means that the language is their mothertongue. Of course this allows for great variation,but using a stricter definition- such as: ‘to speak orwrite the language with ease’ 13 or ‘able to expressoneself easily and accurately’ 14 would reduce thenumber of fluent speakers of B.C. First Nationslanguages to a number even smaller than the criticallysmall number that is reported. Therefore, weloosely use the term fluent speaker.12Adapted from Harrison, B. 1997.13Definition of “fluent,” http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fluent+?o=100074 (January,2010).14Definition of “fluent,” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluent (January, 2010).Semi-SpeakerA semi-speaker is someone who can speak andunderstand the language to a degree that they selfidentifyor are identified by fellow community membersas a semi-speaker. This also allows for greatvariability and it is difficult to quantify (except thata semi-speaker has less language ability than afluent speaker). We consider it an important set ofdata however, since semi-speakers are often froma younger generation than fluent speakers (who areusually elders), and this is vital for the longevity of alanguage. Additionally, if the number of semi-speakersis large enough, then this demonstrates greaterhope for revitalization of the language. With furtherrevitalization efforts such as language training andpromotion, these semi-speakers can become morefluent and will be our most valuable resource afterall today’s fluent speakers are gone.Language LearnerA learner is anyone in the process of learning theirFirst Nations language by participating in any typeof language learning program. The number of learnersis important because it represents optimism forthe revitalization of the language. The number oflearners demonstrates the level of interest, desireto learn and presence of language in the community.In many cases the learners of a language arechildren, which is the most encouraging sign for languagerevitalization. However, it is important to notethat the data on learners must be considered withcautious optimism, since, most language learningprograms treat First Nations languages as “secondor foreign languages” to be learned similar to asubject in school. Unfortunately, language learningprograms are often inconsistent, inadequate, andnot focused on producing fluent speakers.14Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages