1. What is the definition of a "dead language?"
The definition of a dead language is a language that is no longer spoken commonly. Usually only a small group of people still speak the language fluently and it’s barely taught.
2. By what means did colonial settlers and the U.S. government discourage Native Americans from speaking their native languages?
One way that colonial settlers and the U.S. government discouraged Native Americans from speaking their native language was through boarding schools. Native American children were sent to schools where they were prohibited to speak their native language. The U.S. government also implemented multiple policies that discouraged native languages, and culture.
3. What documents did Jessie Little Doe use to reconstruct the language of the Wampanoag? What limitations did her source documents present her with?
Jessie Little Doe used mainly the bible, as well as other historical documents to reconstruct the language of Wampanoag. One limitation she was presented with was limited documents to reference. She also dealt with around 40 different dialects, making it difficult to reconstruct the language.
4. What, in your opinion, is the cultural value of reviving languages like Wampanoag to the Native American tribes still existing in the United States?
I think that there is a great cultural value to reviving a dead language. Though a dead language, it is still extremely special to a specific group of people. It also helps to pass on the culture to next generations, and I imagine, creates a sense of empowerment for the people reviving the language, the culture, and the language itself.
