Learning Lakota Language

A few centuries ago, earth was a linguistically diverse place with thousands of languages spoken by a vast array of native cultures. However, the age of imperialism and the cultural homogenization of the twentieth century have enacted a devastating crushing of linguistic diversity, replacing many native languages with European tongues such as English or Spanish or French. As a result, many languages are losing speakers at an alarming rate, and when those languages die so too do the cultural traditions they represent. That is why learning Lakota language and culture is important for Native people of Lakota heritage. It is more than just learning a language; it is about preserving a way of life.

Learning Lakota language and culture is not reserved entirely for the Lakota people, of course, and anyone who wants to take a journey into a fascinating, rich, and diverse culture can study the rich language and traditions of these Native people in order to develop an appreciation of a way of life very different from the dominant, mainstream American culture. Learning Lakota language and culture is a powerful statement that Native traditions are important and deserve to be preserved and protected from the encroaching influence of American language, commerce, and culture. The Lakota language is an ancient and interesting window into a worldview that approaches life from a perspective not always accessible in the modern, media-driven world.

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