The Impact of Boarding Schools on Native American Students

How did the boarding school setting affect some Native American students who were punished for speaking Navajo? The boarding school setting imposed on some Native American students, which included punishment for speaking Navajo, likely led to various individual responses, such as choosing not to speak their language, losing the ability to speak it, or becoming more determined to hold onto their culture.

According to historical accounts, the boarding school system imposed on Native American students during the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a profound impact on their cultural identity and language preservation.

Loss of Language

Some students who were punished for speaking Navajo at these schools ended up losing their ability to communicate effectively in their native tongue. The constant suppression of their language led to a decline in fluency and proficiency, making it challenging for them to retain their cultural heritage.

Choosing Not to Speak Navajo

Facing punishment for using their native language, some students made the difficult decision to stop speaking Navajo altogether. The fear of retribution and the pressure to conform to the school's rules pushed them to adopt English as their primary means of communication, leading to a disconnect from their cultural roots.

Increased Determination

On the other hand, there were students who responded to the oppressive boarding school environment by becoming more determined to preserve their language and culture. Despite the risks of punishment, they held onto their Navajo identity as a form of resistance against the assimilation efforts of the schools.

In conclusion, the boarding school setting had diverse effects on Native American students punished for speaking Navajo, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural suppression and individual resilience.
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