Rosetta Stone Endangered Language Program Releases Navajo Language Software
By Business Wire 08/24/10 - 08:30 AM EDT
Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE:RST), a leading provider of technology-based language learning solutions, announced today the release of the Navajo-language version of Rosetta Stone® software for use by Navajo in language revitalization. Though Navajo is the most-spoken Native American language north of Mexico (still spoken by more than 100,000 people), its use and fluency among younger generations is in dramatic decline. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 50 percent of Navajo ages 17 and under were able to speak their native language at all in 2000. Rosetta Stone Navajo software will be available for use in Navajo Nation schools, homes and chapter houses in an effort to help reverse this decline.
“We’re excited that the Rosetta Stone Endangered Language Program can play a role in encouraging younger generations to use the Navajo language,” said Marion Bittinger, manager of the Endangered Language Program. “We’re optimistic our work with indigenous groups will be a step toward reversing the tide of global language extinction.” The Navajo software will be sold through Navajo Language Renaissance, a nonprofit group of Navajo educators from the tri-state area of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. In December 2007, with the endorsements of the Department of Diné Education and the Navajo Board of Education, the project was launched in Window Rock, Arizona. More than one hundred Navajo contributed to the project by providing language expertise, photos, audio recordings and logistical and cultural support. Development of Rosetta Stone Navajo was made possible through a Rosetta Stone company grant, and all proceeds from the sale of the software will go toward future initiatives to revitalize the Navajo language.
“The Rosetta Stone software will greatly help our Heritage Language Program already in place in our school district. Students will have a great opportunity to learn the Navajo language at their own pace,” said Clayton Long, director of bilingual education for San Juan School District in Utah. “Rosetta Stone Navajo will be a medium to bridge generations and revitalize the Navajo language.”
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10842831/1/rosetta-stone-endangered-language-program-releases-navajo-language-software.html
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