MIT Solve

Solution Overview

Solution Name:

Navajo Legends

One-line solution summary:

Revitalize Navajo language and culture through animations and interactive media

Pitch your solution.

The Navajo language and culture are at risk. According to the Navajo Times, in 1980, approximately 93 percent of Navajos were fluent speakers of Navajo. One generation later, in 2010, Navajo language speakers dwindled down to 51 percent. As an animator, I propose creating animations and interactive media that teach our language and culture. This solution can be a framework for other tribes to include for engaging tribal members to learn their language.

What specific problem are you solving?

Native languages are becoming extinct. This is a result of generations of separating Native children from families to send them to boarding schools where they were forced to abandon their languages and cultures in order to assimilate into the Euro-American culture. Despite being one of the largest tribes in the United States, the Navajo tribe continues to suffer the consequences of forced assimilation. Although we can boast of having the most fluent speakers of our language, we also have the most non-fluent speakers. In 1980, 93 percent of tribe spoke Navajo. One generation later in 2010, that figure dropped to 51 percent. The lost of Native languages is not unique to the Navajo tribe. In 2011, it was estimated that 135 Native languages are endanger of extinction.

Since the 1980's, the Navajo tribe has prioritized the revitalization of the Navajo language. This includes dubbing popular films such as "Star Wars" and "Finding Nemo" into Navajo. These films are WONDERFUL for fluent speakers, however, for those still learning the basics of the Navajo language, a mixed approach is needed. This projects hopes to fill that gap.

What is your solution?

My solution is to create an immersive and entertaining experience through animations that teaches the basics of Navajo language and accurately depicts facets of our culture. Immersive and interactive experiences are considered the best methods for not only learning, but also remembering languages. Similarly to "Dora the Explorer", the animations will consists of a mix of English and Navajo with the objective of teaching the basics of the Navajo language.

The animations and media will be created through a mix (and not limited to) of Adobe software (After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop) and 3D animations software such as Maya and/or Blender.

Strong preference will be given to Native-led solutions that directly benefit and are located within the Indigenous communities. Which community(s) does your solution benefit?

My solutions directly benefits my tribe, the Navajo. It will teach non-fluent speakers the basics of the Navajo language while also showing facets of our culture and traditional stories.

Throughout this project, I plan to work with fluent Navajo language speakers, teachers, storytellers, and illustrators. Feedback can be obtained through animatics and storyboards of stories. Progress will be shared and published through social media.

Which dimension of the Fellowship does your solution most closely address?

Support language and cultural revitalization, quality K-12 education, and support for first-generation college students

Explain how the problem, your solution, and your solution’s target population relate to the Fellowship and your selected dimension.

The Navajo language is at risk of becoming extinct. In one generation, fluent Navajo speakers were significantly reduced from 93 percent to 51 percent. This project hopes to revitalize the Navajo language and culture through animations and interactive media that teaches of the basics of the Navajo while also showing facets of our culture and traditional stories.

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Nenahnezad, NM, USA

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Concept: An idea being explored for its feasibility to build a product, service, or business model based on that idea

Who is the primary delegate for your solution?

Crystal Ray

Please indicate the tribal affiliation of your primary delegate.

Navajo

Is your primary delegate a member of the community in which your project is based?

Yes