Technology Training and Praxis at the American Indian Language Development Institute: Computer Applications for Indigenous Language Communities
Abstract
Abstract
This research examines three American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI) participants who registered and completed the “Computer Applications for Indigenous Language Communities” course at the University of Arizona between summer 2003 and summer 2007, at a time when digital technology was emerging, particularly in Indigenous communities. The individual case studies document the training each student received during the course, software they were introduced to, and some of the projects they initiated and/or created at AILDI. Students also reflect on the benefits, challenges, and impact that digital technology has toward local language and cultural revitalization efforts as they each return to their respective communities. In addition, as universities are privileged spaces that afford a particular type of environment that may not mirror the technology and infrastructure in Indigenous communities, a set of recommendations are provided to guide academic institutions that offer technology training courses that serve Indigenous populations.
Résumé
L’auteure étudie le cas de trois étudiants de l’American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI) qui ont suivi et réussi le cours « Computer Applications for Indigenous Language Communities » (applications informatiques à l’usage des communautés linguistiques autochtones) de l’Université d’Arizona, entre l’été 2003 et l’été 2007, en période d’émergence de la technologie numérique, particulièrement dans les communautés autochtones. Dans chacun de ces cas, elle documente la formation reçue par l’étudiant dans le cadre du cours, le logiciel avec lequel il a été familiarisé et certains des projets qu’il a démarrés et (ou) créés à l’AILDI. Les étudiants ont également réfléchi aux avantages que présente la technologie numérique, aux difficultés qu’elle soulève et à son incidence en ce qui a trait à la langue locale et aux efforts de revitalisation culturelle lorsque chaque étudiant réintègre sa propre communauté. De plus, les universités étant des espaces privilégiés dont l’environnement particulier risque de ne pas refléter la technologie et les infrastructures dont disposent les communautés autochtones, une série de recommandations sont formulées pour guider les établissements d’enseignement qui offrent des cours de formation technologique destinés aux populations autochtones.
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Canadian Modern Language Review
Volume 74 • Number 3 • August 2018
Pages: 388 - 433
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© 2018 The Canadian Modern Language Review/La Revue canadienne des langues vivantes.
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Published online: 26 July 2018
Published in print: August 2018
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