Podcast Summary: Pretendians – "Code Switch: In Lakota Nation, People Are Asking: Who Does a Language Belong To?"

Release Date: November 20, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Code Switch" by NPR, co-hosts Christina Kahla and BA Parker delve into the intricate and contentious issue of language ownership within the Lakota Nation. The episode titled "In Lakota Nation, People Are Asking: Who Does a Language Belong To?" explores the ongoing struggle between the Lakota community and the Lakota Language Consortium (LLC) regarding the control and preservation of the Lakota language.

The Vital Importance of the Lakota Language

Timestamp: [02:28] - [06:43]

Christina Kahla introduces listeners to the dire state of the Lakota language, highlighting that the average age of Lakota speakers is over 75, placing the language on the brink of extinction. She emphasizes the cultural significance of the language through the story of Dolores Taken Alive, a revered Lakota speaker born in 1933. Dolores dedicated over 40 years to teaching Lakota and hosted a weekly radio show, "It's Good to Speak Lakota," aimed at preserving the language for future generations.

Notable Quote:

Dolores Taken Alive (04:01): "Always remember and speak your Lakota language, because that is your language. So, the white man's language will be your second language. No matter how educated you are, in order for you to translate our Lakota language, which is ours, but if I speak my truest Lakota language, you won't be able to translate that."

The Lakota Language Consortium (LLC) and Their Role

Timestamp: [08:00] - [10:07]

The episode introduces the Lakota Language Consortium (LLC), a nonprofit organization founded by Wilhelm Meyer and Jan Ulrich in 2004. The LLC has been pivotal in revitalizing the Lakota language by developing resources such as the Lakota dictionary and hosting learning programs. Christina Kahla points out that the LLC operates similarly to linguistic authorities like the Oxford English Dictionary, aiming to standardize the language to facilitate teaching and learning.

Notable Quote:

Alex Firethunder (10:31): "That's a lot of words I have to learn, you know? But in retrospect, it makes you realize how complex and how rich our language is."

The Conflict Over Language Ownership

Timestamp: [16:16] - [35:36]

The heart of the episode revolves around the intense conflict between Ray Taken Alive, grandson of Dolores, and the LLC. Ray accuses the LLC of appropriating his grandmother's linguistic legacy by holding copyrights over her recordings and materials, which he believes should belong to the Lakota community. This dispute raises fundamental questions about who holds the rights to an indigenous language and its cultural materials.

Notable Quotes:

Ray Taken Alive (17:12): "It's too long in language revitalization. Our people have been removed from our language. It's constantly tried to be separated."

Nike Lupita (35:36): "It's an ethical. It's an equity, It's a historical justice problem."

Jane Anderson, a lawyer specializing in copyright and Indigenous sovereignty, further complicates the discussion by explaining that copyright law was not designed to support oral cultures, thereby exacerbating the tension between legal ownership and cultural stewardship.

Legal and Ethical Implications

Timestamp: [33:03] - [36:38]

Jane Anderson elaborates on the clash between Western copyright laws and Indigenous perspectives on language as a communal heritage rather than property. She argues that copyright laws inherently conflict with the Indigenous understanding of language as a sacred, shared resource passed down through generations.

Notable Quote:

Jane Anderson (35:36): "Copyright law really was not developed as a tool to support oral cultures or indigenous people generally. It was a tool to support written cultures and to exploit knowledge."

Christina Kahla highlights existing protections for Indigenous languages, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Native American Language Act of 1990, which advocate for the revitalization and preservation of Native languages. Additionally, the Standing Rock Sioux Nation's Tribal Council Resolution 150-22 asserts perpetual intellectual property rights over their language and cultural materials.

Current Status and Ongoing Struggles

Timestamp: [36:38] - [37:56]

The episode outlines the current state of the conflict. Ray Taken Alive continues to seek full ownership and control over his grandmother's materials, arguing that mere copies do not suffice to protect her legacy. Meanwhile, Alex Firethunder, who has risen to become the executive director of the LLC, faces the challenge of balancing the organization's standardized approach to language preservation with the community's demand for ownership and ethical stewardship.

Notable Quote:

Ray Taken Alive (37:56): "What I want is all of the intellectual property rights given back to our family. All the audio, the recordings, the pictures, the licensing, everything."

Perspectives and Path Forward

Timestamp: [35:52] - [38:35]

The discussion shifts towards potential solutions, advocating for a stewardship model rather than ownership. Jane Anderson suggests that stewardship allows for a more inclusive decision-making process involving tribal councils and elders, thereby respecting the communal nature of the language.

Notable Quote:

Jane Anderson (35:36): "It's an ethical. It's an equity, It's a historical justice problem."

Alex Firethunder emphasizes the broader impact of colonial systems on language preservation, stating, "We wouldn't be in this situation with our language if it weren't for the colonial systems that have been imposed on us." This underscores the need for decolonized approaches to language revitalization that prioritize Indigenous autonomy and cultural integrity.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reflecting on the legacy of Dolores Taken Alive and the enduring importance of the Lakota language. While both Ray and Alex are committed to preserving Lakota, their differing approaches highlight the complex interplay between legal frameworks, cultural stewardship, and community ownership. Christina Kahla poignantly reminds listeners of Dolores's enduring message: "Don't ever lose your Lakota language," underscoring the deep personal and communal investment in preserving this vital aspect of Lakota heritage.

Notable Quote:

Dolores Taken Alive (38:47): "Don't ever lose your Lakota language. Always remember and speak your Lakota language."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Code Switch" masterfully navigates the delicate and multifaceted issue of language ownership within the Lakota Nation. By intertwining personal stories, legal perspectives, and cultural insights, Christina Kahla and BA Parker provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and aspirations surrounding Indigenous language preservation.

References:

• Code Switch: NPR’s award-winning podcast focusing on race and culture.
• Lakota Language Consortium (LLC): Nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Lakota language.
• Standing Rock Sioux Nation: Tribal nation advocating for the preservation and ownership of the Lakota language.