Is the number of fluent speakers the only measure of success?

Short Answer #

No. Fluent speakers are important, but they are not the only indicator of progress.

Expanded Answer #

Fluency is often viewed as the ultimate goal of language revitalization. That is understandable. However, focusing exclusively on fluency can overlook important progress. Examples of meaningful outcomes include:

• Recording Elders
• Preserving stories
• Creating curriculum
• Training teachers
• Building language infrastructure
• Expanding community participation
• Supporting learners

These achievements create conditions that make future fluency more likely. Language revitalization is often cumulative. Small successes create larger opportunities over time. The path to fluency frequently begins with preservation, education, and community engagement.