Language attitudes and use of the Sheshatshiu Innu: Preliminary findings

Abstract

The Innu of Labrador are one of an increasingly few number of Aboriginal groups in which children learn an Aboriginal language at home and enter school speaking little to no English. Research on language attitudes and use in other Canadian Aboriginal communities shows that most Aboriginal languages are declining and that the majority of these languages are regarded as less prestigious than the majority language. A survey was administered in Fall 2004 to determine if this is the case in the Innu community at Sheshatshiu, Labrador. Preliminary analysis indicates that Innu-aimun (their language) is deeply valued by the majority of the community, despite recognition of the utility of English and of the possibility of community-wide language loss. Also, approximately half of the particpants were aware of language change, and of these most viewed this change negatively. Overall, the Sheshatshiu Innu have definite opinions about their language and its use, indicating that it is a valuable and vital part of the community.

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