Learning to Speak Indigenous Languages with Compassionate Listening Practices

Abstract

Indigenous language reclamation programs are considered an important way to reclaim indigenous identities and empower indigenous community members.Yet, without enough considerations for the participants, they could inhibit the language learning of those participants.The goal of this article is to empower Ryukyuan indigenous language learners using compassionate listening practices to support their learning.The author focuses on language reclamation activities targeting new speakers of the Yaeyaman language.The author analyzed interviews with new speakers (learners) of Yaeyaman and conducted videorecordings.This article identifies the following three issues: (1) linguistic purism, (2) linguistic insecurity, and (3) lack of ethical principles.These problems seem to hinder new speakers' motivation to learn and speak their heritage languages.The author found that the emotions and feelings of new speakers are often overlooked and thus, suggests that new learners can be empowered by addressing their feelings through compassionate listen practices.Hence, we need to focus on the emotional support of language learners.The article proposes using compassionate listening practices to empower language learners who are embedded in social power struggles both from outside and inside the language community.

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