What role do Elders play in language education?

Short Answer #

Elders remain among the most important teachers in any language revitalization effort because they carry language knowledge, cultural teachings, lived experience, and community history.

Expanded Answer #

Technology can support language revitalization. Curriculum can support language revitalization. Funding can support language revitalization. But none of these things replace the role of Elders. Elders contribute:

• Language knowledge
• Pronunciation
• Stories
• Traditional teachings
• Historical understanding
• Cultural context

Many language programs are built upon knowledge generously shared by Elders. Language Cloud helps preserve and organize these contributions so they can continue supporting learners long into the future. Importantly, technology should not be viewed as replacing Elders. Technology should help extend their impact. A recording shared today may continue teaching learners decades from now. That possibility may represent one of the most powerful opportunities available in language revitalization.

Intellectual Property