Culture representation in an immersion environment

In looking into Indigenous perspectives through our coursework, I started to think about integration of Indigenous culture into education curriculum and how language plays a role in that. I thought about Indigenous languages and how there are many that are in need of revitalization because of the history of residential schools and repression of Indigenous culture and language.

In coming across an article called "Back to the Future: Recreating Natural Indigenous Language Learning Environments Through Language Nest Early Childhood Immersion Programs", it made me reflect on the role of culture in immersion programs and how this can be used as a form of revitalization of Indigenous culture that was lost. The article describes the use of "language nests" which are not unlike the French Immersion program that I teach in my practice. The article describes the program when it states, "Language nests are places for young children that provide an immersion environment in their Indigenous language. A language nest creates a space where young children can be “raised” in the language through meaningful interaction with proficient speakers, often Elders" (McIvor & Parker, 2016. p. 24).
I think the core of immersion programs is creating meaningful, authentic and natural environments for language development where students can have significant experiences. Another important aspect is having Indigenous Elders as models of language and culture to pass on authentic experiences and relevant knowledge.

In describing the language nest environment, the article also states, "The immersion environment of the nest supports natural language acquisition instead of conscious language instruction, with the goal of facilitating first language acquisition of Indigenous languages" (McIvor & Parker, 2016. p. 24). This also emphasizes the importance of natural language acquisition through the creation of a natural environment over explicit language teaching. I think this idea relates to the difference between language acquisition in French Immersion over Core French, where the language is taught explicitly without full immersion in the language and its culture.

In describing the effects of Indigenous language nests, the article descibes, "Language nests offer an effective means for language revitalization as well as an opportunity to raise children with the strong identity and cultural grounding that will support their future success" (McIvor & Parker, 2016. p. 26).
This relates to the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and how language nests can play a role. This is an opportunity for young Indigenous children to grow up aware of their roots with their culture being represented to them and can solidify their sense of identity.

It was interesting for me to read about the strategies used in these language nests as it parallels with the French Immersion program. With the language nest programs being run by Indigenous Elders, I think there is more culture infused into the program than there is in a French Immersion program which is mainly focused on language, with teachers coming from a different places and having learned French in different ways. The strategies for language teaching seem typically the same, with a focus on exposure to the target language and discouragement of any use of the dominant language, which is typically English in both cases.

Language nests seem to be an effective strategy at reviving Indigenous languages through the children of our future society. It's a way to replace the natural passing down of language from parents and grandparents, to be used in daily life within communities. This is a way to have the language gain value again and become a form of communication representative of Indigenous culture and history.

Reference:

McIvor, O., & Parker, A. (2016). Back to the future: Recreating natural Indigenous language learning environments through language nest early childhood immersion programs. The International Journal of Holistic Early Learning and Development, 3, 21-35.