Reclaiming Domains: Evolution of Pit River Language Teaching and Learning

The Pit River tribe no longer has a speech community from which to go and immerse oneself in. However, this doesn't mean that there can't be a way to create a language nest or learn the language. Using archival materials along with input from elders and community members Pit River language teachers have adapted different language learning materials for language learning in group sessions, establishing language nests in the home, and teaching hybrid (online and in person) language classes. The goal is to always be open to new methods and approaches to speech community development centering the needs and desires of the community.

Bio

I am a member of the Illmawi band of the Pit River nation, a PhD student in Linguistics with a designated emphasis in Native American Studies. My education also includes a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Language Teaching Studies. After completing my M.A. in 2020 I designed a curriculum for reclaiming domains and language nesting in the home for the Pit River language, and taught an online class to community members. As part of a grassroots efforts for Pit River language revitalization my goal is to continue gaining the linguistic skills needed to be able to continue creating learning materials and help recreate a speech community.