Documenting Native American languages


9/2/2014 9:54:00 AM
Navajo woman undertakes project to document Native American languages and histories
Katherine Locke Reporter
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Karen Begay wants to preserve Native American languages from becoming extinct by recording and documenting tribal and family history from tribes across the United States told by elders in their own languages. 

She envisions turning her work into an archive titled Native American Oral History that can be passed on to future generations. A big part of the project is capturing the time when the elders grew up, a time that does not exist now. 

"We're letting the people talk in their own languages," Begay said. "Talk about their history, their family history, their tribe and their culture."