This item does not deal with an African language, but since it deals with a highly respected Native American poet writing in his first language (Keres), I thought it might be of interest to readers of this list.
I will take the opportunity to mention that the list I originally reposted it to - MINEL - has items re language efforts around the world (a lot in North America). It may be of interest for comparisons and ideas. See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MINEL/ Don Osborn Bisharat.net ----- Forwarded message from "Donald Z. Osborn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ----- Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 05:07:42 -0600 From: "Donald Z. Osborn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [MINEL] Fwd: Native poet explains links of language (Keres [Montana]) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] FYI (fwd from ILAT)... DZO Native poet explains links of language By JODI RAVE Missoulian http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/02/15/build/state/55-poet.inc MISSOULA - Many would argue that poet Simon Ortiz's native Keres language has lifted him to heights few writers will ever achieve. "I consider him the most important poet writing in America today," said Roger Dunsmore, a University of Montana humanities professor emeritus. "He's created a language to speak for the land where humans are a part of something much greater, older and deeper than they are." "Simon is the most venerable Native writer living today. He's got there because he's never lost sight of the importance of retaining indigenous values," said Kate Shanley, the university's Native American Studies chairwoman. He expresses those values in poetry where his works reveal an honest portrayal of tribal life, and typically uncovers the political side of it, too, said Shanley. On Monday, Ortiz spoke at the University of Montana, explaining how language links the land, culture and community. Much of Ortiz's success as a writer springs from his ability to express the world around him through a thought process that comes from the ancient Keres language of the Acoma Pueblo. "The indigenous language, or any language, has kind of a force there is an energy,'' Ortiz said. "This makes a great difference in how we learn and use and regard language.'' The increasing decline in indigenous language speakers gives Ortiz cause to worry about how the American Indian world view is expressed. Today, it's common for contemporary American Indian writers to use English. Copyright © The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. ----- End forwarded message ----- ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/rkgkPB/UOnJAA/Zx0JAA/TpIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
