Abstract
While several Native American languages have been the subject of previous studies, our understanding of the revitalization and preservation efforts concerning the Nez Perce language, Nimipuutímt, remains limited. Nimipuutímt is a member of the Sahaptian subfamily of the Plateau Penutian family of the Penutian language group. This thesis examines the cultural and political impacts of language loss and revitalization for Native American languages, focusing on the efforts of one specific tribe, the Nez Perce of Idaho, to revitalize their heritage language, Nimipuutímt. The research looks at the challenges affecting local language revitalization programs on the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho, and offers some possible solutions to those challenges. It explores the relative effectiveness of various strategies in language revitalization and preservation and looks at several models of successful language revitalization. This study was conducted in north central Idaho in the towns of Lapwai and Lewiston in March of 2017. Interviews with a variety of individuals and observations of several Nez Perce language classes were conducted at the Lapwai combined Middle/High School, the Lapwai Elementary School, the Tribal Community Center in Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College, and the Nez Perce National Historic Park Visitor Center. Individuals observed or interviewed ranged in age from preschool children to tribal elders. In comparing the Nez Perce language revitalization program to other more well-established programs, it seems that the program, although in it’s early stages, is thriving and its future looks hopeful. Many of the teaching tools used by other similar programs are also being employed here. The language program is well received and supported by the entire community and although there is still much work yet to be done, the tireless efforts of the language coordinators and the elders, along with the support of the Lapwai Public School System and the enthusiasm of the students, indicate that the Nez Perce language revitalization program is on track for success.