TED 407 video reflection

The video I chose to watch was “Language Healers: Native Americans Revitalizing Native
Languages”. The first opening statement was very powerful and sadden of the 139 Native
American languages still spoken today, more than half of these are at risk of going extinct within
the next 10 years.
I feel that this film was very interesting to hear a race of people fighting to keep their language
and culture alive. In the film, you hear and see different perspectives on how Native Americans
feel about fighting to keep their language alive because they don't want to lose their culture and
what they are, and what it means to belong to their tribe. That it is important not only for them
but also for the future generation. In my opinion, it is important to keep any language alive
because that says who you are and where you come from. I know for me as an African American
person who language was ripped from my ancestors. I wish I could speak my ancestor’s
language to keep tradition and connection to our homeland. As a future teacher in an elementary
setting, I would welcome my students’ home language. To connect with my students, I would try
to learn the language or the essential words to communicate with my students or parents on a
personal level. The United State is a melting pot with millions of people all over the world and to
make people only speak English. Being bilingual is an important skill to have right now. So, to
read that over 139 Native American languages with go extinct is crazy. Native Americans have
had an extremely hard life. In the video one of the speakers talks about how important it was
when his son was to born to hear their native language being sung to his so those are the first
words he hear, his culture. Another interesting thing was that certain clicks of the tongue mean
whole sentences or phase. Everyone deserves to hold on to their culture, values, and identity but
since English is the only language, I know I’m glad many people are willing to learn any
language. it has it advantages of communicating with others, which is also important.  I am glad
that Native Americans are still hopefully to keep fighting for their language and culture to keep
that amazing resource for the next generation and those who want to learn their language.  
Overall, “Language Healers: Native Americans Revitalizing Native Languages” is a thought-
provoking and engaging documentary that offers a valuable perspective on the importance of
language in shaping culture and identity.