Language learning and translation are often taken for granted, especially through Google Translate and apps like Duolingo. As Chaz Prairie Chicken explains, the Blackfoot language is unavailable on Google Translate in addition to a plethora of other Indigenous languages (660 News, 2019). It is a compelling point to consider, especially since many non-Western languages are available such as Japanese, Mandarin, Hindi, etc. These languages are still widely spoken, while many Indigenous languages are at-risk of dying off. To respond to this concern, the graphic novel Thunder has been transformed into a VR experience to teach the Blackfoot language:
660 News. (2019, June 30). Learning the Blackfoot language through virtual reality [Video]. YouTube.
The VR experience provides an immersive world that can be explored by young learners to apply the language in highly engaging and context-specific ways; most of what they learn are the basics, including counting and animals (660 News, 2019). Further, the experience features beautiful landscapes, anthropomorphic animals, and compelling storytelling in keeping with Indigenous tradition (660 News, 2019). The experience can serve as an ideal foundation to inspire a greater interest and further study in the Blackfoot language. It would be intriguing to see similar pursuits in VR leveraged in the preservation and promotion of Indigenous languages for young learners as well.
References
660 News (2019, June 30). Learning the Blackfoot language through virtual reality [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS_xJ5mmTvs