University of New Mexico Navajo Reading Study Records
Collection
Identifier: MSS-807-BC
Scope and Content
The collection contains four series:
Administrative materials include background information on Navajo language studies nationwide, correspondence between Bernard Spolsky (principal investigator) and the linguistic community, study researchers and participants (such as Navajo school principals and teachers). The series also contains funding information, project proposals, and staff meeting notes.
Educational Materials are comprised of a number of Navajo language children’s books and flashcards generated by the Navajo Reading Study. These materials were written in Navajo (not translated from English) and include titles that demonstrate basic vocabulary, such as the alphabet, animals and colors. In addition many of the narrative titles are for more advanced Navajo readers (eleven through sixteen) such as community histories and the biography of Wilt Chamberlain.
Field Surveys include a raw data sampling from the Navajo Reading Study. The field survey series consists of background, notes and on-site instructions for the interviewers of Navajo children as well as the original questionnaires filled out by children or their interviewers assessing their Navajo and English language abilities.
Reports consist of a number of documents generated by the Navajo Reading Study describing the results of the study. In addition, a number of outside reports generated by Ramah Navajo High School and various advisory boards are included.
Collection is in English and Navajo.
Administrative materials include background information on Navajo language studies nationwide, correspondence between Bernard Spolsky (principal investigator) and the linguistic community, study researchers and participants (such as Navajo school principals and teachers). The series also contains funding information, project proposals, and staff meeting notes.
Educational Materials are comprised of a number of Navajo language children’s books and flashcards generated by the Navajo Reading Study. These materials were written in Navajo (not translated from English) and include titles that demonstrate basic vocabulary, such as the alphabet, animals and colors. In addition many of the narrative titles are for more advanced Navajo readers (eleven through sixteen) such as community histories and the biography of Wilt Chamberlain.
Field Surveys include a raw data sampling from the Navajo Reading Study. The field survey series consists of background, notes and on-site instructions for the interviewers of Navajo children as well as the original questionnaires filled out by children or their interviewers assessing their Navajo and English language abilities.
Reports consist of a number of documents generated by the Navajo Reading Study describing the results of the study. In addition, a number of outside reports generated by Ramah Navajo High School and various advisory boards are included.
Collection is in English and Navajo.
Dates
- 1940-1979
- Majority of material found within 1969-1975
Language of Materials
English Navajo
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography / History
The Navajo Reading Study was established in 1969 to investigate the feasibility and effect of teaching Navajo children to read their own language before learning to read English. The project was supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Office of Education. Dr. Bernard Spolsky, Professor of Linguistics, Elementary Education and Anthropology at the University of New Mexico was the principal investigator.
The study was conducted at Navajo public schools, Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, and community-controlled schools in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as at the University of New Mexico. Language studies, a dictionary project, sociolinguistic studies, a survey of reading materials, preparation of Navajo reading materials, evaluation and coordination, teacher training projects at Sanostee-Toadlena and Ramah, preparation of a Navajo bilingual curriculum, development of a model for analysis and evaluation of bilingual education, and a survey of American Indian bilingual education were all part of the project. Title VII money was granted to establish teacher training and to fund the development of Navajo reading materials. The project produced close to 50 books, all of them written in Navajo (not translated from English). There was an effort to make the books sturdy and attractive so that the written Navajo language would not have a second rate status in the children’s eyes.
Navajo Reading Study Progress Reports, as well as other publications pertaining to the Navajo Reading Study are catalogued in the University of New Mexico Libraries' online catalog.
Source: Bernard Spolsky, “Linguistics in Practice: The Navajo Reading Study" in Theory into Practice: Language Use and Acquisition, Volume 14:5 (December 1975) and G. Edward Evans, Karin Abbey, and Jeff Clark, “Further Notes on Bilingual Education Projects" in Journal of American Indian Education, Volume 20:1 (January 1981)
The study was conducted at Navajo public schools, Bureau of Indian Affairs schools, and community-controlled schools in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as at the University of New Mexico. Language studies, a dictionary project, sociolinguistic studies, a survey of reading materials, preparation of Navajo reading materials, evaluation and coordination, teacher training projects at Sanostee-Toadlena and Ramah, preparation of a Navajo bilingual curriculum, development of a model for analysis and evaluation of bilingual education, and a survey of American Indian bilingual education were all part of the project. Title VII money was granted to establish teacher training and to fund the development of Navajo reading materials. The project produced close to 50 books, all of them written in Navajo (not translated from English). There was an effort to make the books sturdy and attractive so that the written Navajo language would not have a second rate status in the children’s eyes.
Navajo Reading Study Progress Reports, as well as other publications pertaining to the Navajo Reading Study are catalogued in the University of New Mexico Libraries' online catalog.
Source: Bernard Spolsky, “Linguistics in Practice: The Navajo Reading Study" in Theory into Practice: Language Use and Acquisition, Volume 14:5 (December 1975) and G. Edward Evans, Karin Abbey, and Jeff Clark, “Further Notes on Bilingual Education Projects" in Journal of American Indian Education, Volume 20:1 (January 1981)
Extent
2 boxes (2 cu. ft.)
Abstract
The Navajo Reading Study was conducted by the University of New Mexico and supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Office of Education. The purpose of the study was to investigate the feasibility and effect of teaching Navajo children to read their own language before learning to read English.
Arrangement
4 series: Administrative, Educational Materials, Field Surveys, Reports
- Title
- Finding Aid of the University of New Mexico Navajo Reading Study Records, 1940-1979
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Eric Castillo, Annette M. Rodríguez
- Date
- © 2008
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
- Sponsor
- Funding provided in part by: University of New Mexico Center for Regional Studies, Dr. Tobias Durán, Director
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu