Title
Language as a facilitator of cultural connection
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Gonzalez MB, Aronson BD, Kellar S, Walls ML, Greenfield BL. Language as a facilitator of cultural connection. ab-Original: Journal of Indigenous Studies and First Nations and First Peoples’ Cultures, 1(2), 176-194. doi: 10.5325/aboriginal.1.2.0176.
Abstract
Understanding culture as a means of preventing or treating health concerns is growing in popularity among social behavioral health scientists. Language is one component of culture and therefore may be a means to improve health among Indigenous populations. This study explores language as a unique aspect of culture through its relationship to other demographic and cultural variables. Participants (n = 218) were adults who self-identified as American Indian, had a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, and were drawn from two Ojibwe communities using health clinic records. We used chi-squared tests to compare language proficiency by demographic groups and ANOVA tests to examine relationships between language and culture. A higher proportion of those living on reservation lands could use the Ojibwe language, and fluent speakers were most notably sixty-five years of age and older. Regarding culture, those with greater participation and value belief in cultural activities reported greater language proficiency.
Publication Date
2017
DOI
10.5325/aboriginal.1.2.0176