What Are Languages 4? Blog

Indigenous Language Reclamation, Revitalization, Preservation, and Representation

July 13th, 2023

Q&A with Languages 4 Founder, Tim O'Hagan

"I love what I do, and I am confident we can be impactful members of the Indigenous language community. Therefore, I have really enjoyed the opportunities to speak with new people and communities and get the process started. It is hard and requires much patience, but the work is worth it."

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September 21, 2023

Empowering Elders and Keepers of Language: Languages 4™ Instruction Strategies and Support

In the quest to revitalize Indigenous languages, native speakers and Elders often face challenges in transferring their rich linguistic knowledge. The excitement to share the language is palpable, but creating a structured lesson sequence can be daunting. Languages 4™ emerges as a beacon of support, providing a research-based approach and diverse resources to empower these invaluable community members.

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Indigenous Elder Woman Smiling

October 4, 2023

Mountain Goat in Monument Valley

“What in the World Does an Elephant Have to Do With It?”: The Urgency of Cultural Relevance in Language Revitalization with Languages 4™

When an unnamed Diné (Navajo) language teacher exclaimed, "What in the world does an "ELEPHANT" have to do with Indigenous language revitalization?!" they touched on a pervasive problem. Indigenous language education often mirrors conventional methodologies tailored for mainstream languages, leading to a disconnect between learners and their cultural context.

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August 24th, 2023

Communicative Approach In Focus: The Linguistic Backbone of Languages 4™ Mission

Languages have always been more than mere collections of words. They form the tapestry of human experiences, societal norms, and cultural expressions. Recognizing this profound depth, Languages 4™ has anchored its pedagogy in the “Communicative Approach,” which champions holistic language acquisition. But why is this approach so pivotal in revitalizing and recreating Indigenous and endangered languages?

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