The Revival of the Muscogee Creek Language through the Development of an Indigenous Language Interest Group

Author

Tomasina Chupco Gilliam, Lynn University

Date of Award

2-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Granting Institution

Lynn University

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EDD)

Degree Program

with a Specialization in Educational Leadership

Department

College of Education

First Advisor

Jennifer J. Lesh

Second Advisor

Linda S. Jordan

Third Advisor

Kathleen Weigel

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the revival of the Muscogee Creek Language through the Development of an Indigenous Language Interest Group. This dissertation examined the various factors contributing to the decline of the Muskogee Creek Language. In addition, this dissertation also addressed the factors that have not been previously discussed, regarding this matter. The dissertation had a positive view of the language and the problems of the slow extinction associated with it. The dissertation also addressed the effect of the language on the people. The research focused on the people who use the language, which included young adults and elders of the community. A case study focus group design was implemented to explore the revival of the Muscogee Creek Language with a cross generational group of speakers. Two focus groups were completed. Key themes derived included existing resources and parent-child relationships. Recommendations for revitalization of the Muscogee Language included: Furthering studies that will focus on extinction in a specific generation and revitalization programs could improve existing literature.

Comments

The dissertation is accompanied by a PowerPoint (.pptx) presentation and is available as an Additional file.

For ease of viewing by all users, the PowerPoint presentation has been converted into into a PDF and also attached as an Additional file.

Recommended Citation

Gilliam, T. C. (2019). The Revival of the Muscogee Creek Language through the Development of an Indigenous Language Interest Group [Doctoral dissertation, Lynn University]. SPIRAL. https://spiral.lynn.edu/etds/330