Strategies and Methods for Anishinaabemowin Revitalization

• Published in: Canadian Modern Language Review
• Main Author: Pitawanakwat, Brock
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress) 2018
• Subjects: Linguistics and Language; Education; anishina*
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/cmlr.4058; https://utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/cmlr.4058

Anishinaabeg (including Odawa, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, and Chippewa) are striving to maintain and revitalize Anishinaabemowin (their Anishinaabe language) throughout their territories. This research project explored Anishinaabemowin revitalization (AR) efforts through interviews with 22 community activists, scholars, and teachers of Anishinaabemowin as a second language (AnSL). The interviews queried the various methods and mobilization strategies being used and developed. The project provides insights into different AnSL pedagogies and teaching strategies, as well as barriers and challenges facing the AR movement. Interviews were conducted in six Canadian cities as well as four First Nation reserve communities. Research participants discussed innovative AR strategies and techniques while acknowledging concerns that AR has yet to produce enough fluent speakers to reverse the decline of Anishinaabemowin.