National Alliance to Save Native Languages

[Diane Merkel]

Here is an excerpt from an excellent article about a group that is trying to save languages from all parts of the country:

In the Lakota language, a single word expresses the awe and connectedness with nature that some feel looking at the Northern Lights. In Euchee, the language makes no distinction between humans and other animals, though it does differentiate between Euchee people and non-Euchee.

And the Koasati language of Louisiana provides no word for good-bye, since time is seen as more cyclical than linear. To end a conversation, you would say something like, "This was good."

Article: www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/06/16/20080616native-languages06216-ON.html