Language Retention Explored In Prince Albert

Language Retention Explored In Prince Albert

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 12:38

The future of Aboriginal languages will be up for discussion for the next three days in Prince Albert.

The Marlboro Inn is the site of this year’s Gift of Language and Culture conference.

The conference has been held since 2003 and allows educators, planners and community members to discuss strategies on First Nations language retention.

Event co-ordinator Julius Park says children learn what is directed towards them, and that’s why coordinated strategies are so key.

“In my view, children will sort of observe some of the languages that are spoken to them. Through hands-on activities and through speaking strategies, they hope to retain the language and learn as they go — sort of building the vocabulary for their language use in the school or in the community at home,” Parks says.

Park says some communities are using immersion programs to teach their languages, while others are using more-structured methods.

He says it’s good for everyone to see what techniques other are using, so they can swap ideas.