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Plains Indian Sign Language, Cultural Assimilation, and Preservation

9-12th Grade Social Studies

Content Topics

  • Indian Education For All (IEFA)

Duration Two days -- Day 1 45 min, Day 2 is 60

Objective: 

Students will understand the historical and cultural significance of Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL). Students will analyze the impact of cultural assimilation on PISL and other Native American cultures. Students will evaluate the efforts to preserve PISL and other Indigenous languages.

Overview and Purpose:

Before Europeans came to the Americas, there were hundreds of different tribes, each with its own cultural features including language. When speakers of one language met those of another, they communicated in what has become known as “hand talk.” Scholars dispute exactly when, in the 30,000 or more years of history in North America, tribes developed sign language. It was observed among Florida tribes by 16th Century Spanish colonizers when Coronado documented in his journals in 1540 that as he met the Comanche peoples in present-day Texas, the Comanches made themselves so well-understood with the use of sign talk that there was almost no need for an interpreter.

Because there were fewer distinct linguistic groups among the tribes living in permanent villages in the wooded lands east of the Mississippi River, they didn’t use sign language as much as it was used among the more nomadic and linguistically diverse tribes of the West, particularly the Great Plains Indian Nations. It became a primary vehicle for communication as Europeans came farther west.

Guiding Questions: 

  • How did Plains Indian Sign Language contribute to the cultural identity of Plains Indians, and what impact did cultural assimilation have on its preservation?
  • What are some of the positive impacts of language revitalization efforts on Native American communities?

Education Standards:

  • Standards: SS.CG.9-12.7: Explain the foundations and complexity of sovereignty for federally recognized tribes in Montana.
  • SS.CG.9-12.12: Evaluate citizens' and institutions' effectiveness in ensuring civil rights at the local, state, tribal, national, and international levels.
  • SS.CG.9-12.5: Evaluate how citizens and institutions address social and political problems at the local, state, tribal, national, and/or international levels.
  • SS.H.9-12.4: Analyze multiple, and complex causal factors that have shaped major events in US and world history, including American Indian history.
  • SS.H.9-12.5: Explain events in relation to both their intended and unintended consequences, including governmental policies impacting American Indians.
  • SS.H.9-12.7: Analyze how historical, cultural, social, political, ideological, and economic contexts shape people's perspectives.
  • SS.H.9-12.10: Analyze perspectives of American Indians in US history.

Materials and Resources:

Local Resources:

Part 1 (10 Mins)

Introduction:

  • Begin by asking students what they know about Native American languages. Introduce the concept of sign language as a form of communication.
  • Explain that Plains Indian Sign Language was a common language used by many Native American tribes for communication and trade.
  • Present the essential question: How did Plains Indian Sign Language contribute to the cultural identity of Plains Indians, and what impact did cultural assimilation have on its preservation?

Part 2 (20 Min)

History of PISL and Plains Indian Culture 

Provide a brief overview of the history of PISL, emphasizing its role in communication and trade among different tribes.

  • Make sure to take time to look at the links below and familiarize yourself with the content before sharing with your students.

Discuss the cultural significance of PISL and its connection to Plains Indian culture and way of life.

Use images and videos to illustrate the lifestyle and customs of Plains Indians.

Part 3 (20 Min)

Cultural Assimilation and Language Loss 

  • Explain the concept of cultural assimilation and its impact on Native American cultures.
  • Discuss the role of government policies, boarding schools, and other factors in the suppression of Native American languages, including PISL.
  • Explore the consequences of language loss for Native American communities.
  • Use historical documents or primary sources to illustrate the challenges faced by Native American people.

Exit Ticket: How did government policies and societal attitudes contribute to the decline of Plains Indian Sign Language and other Native American languages?

Part 4 (20 Min)

Preservation and Revitalization 

Introduce students to the efforts being made to preserve and revitalize PISL and other Indigenous languages.

Discuss the importance of language preservation for cultural identity and community building.

Explore the role of technology in language revitalization.

Show a short video or presentation about successful language revitalization programs.

Part 5 (25 Min)

PISL and Cultural Preservation

Activity:

  • Explain the concept of cultural assimilation and its impact on Native American cultures.
  • Discuss the role of government policies, boarding schools, and other factors in the suppression of Native American languages, including PISL.
  • Explore the consequences of language loss for Native American communities.
  • Use historical documents or primary sources to illustrate the challenges faced by Native American people.

Exit Ticket: How did government policies and societal attitudes contribute to the decline of Plains Indian Sign Language and other Native American languages?

Differentiation

  • For struggling students: Provide simplified text, visuals, and vocabulary support. Offer opportunities for peer tutoring or small group instruction.
  • For advanced students: Encourage independent research on specific language revitalization programs. Assign a more complex research project or presentation.

Assessment

  • PISL Sign Charades: Divide students into teams and have them act out PISL signs for their teammates to guess. This activity assesses students' understanding of the signs and their ability to communicate effectively.

Extension

  • Invite a guest speaker from a local Native American community to discuss language preservation efforts.
  • Organize a field trip to a local Native American cultural center or museum.
  • Have students create public service announcements about the importance of language preservation.

By exploring the history, culture, and challenges faced by Plains Indian people, students will develop a deeper understanding of the significance of language preservation and the ongoing struggle for cultural identity.