Indianz.Com > News > Native America Calling: America’s first universal language
All Episodes on Spotify | More Options
Native America Calling: America’s first universal language
Monday, June 10, 2024
nativeamericacalling.com   180099native   nativeamericacalling

America’s first universal language
At one point in history, the various tribes in the Plains region developed a shared universal language.

But the language didn’t rely on the spoken word. Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL), or Hand Talk, was a complex means of communication that spread over a large swatch of North America.

PISL was a way for deaf people to communicate before the invention of American Sign Language (ASL). Colonial intrusion and assimilation policies caused the number of PISL practitioners to drop off drastically.

Now, a handful of PISL speakers are trying to revitalize this unique language.

Lanny Real Bird: Hand Talking

Guests on Native America Calling
Dr. Lanny Real Bird (Apsáalooke), educator, consultant, and Native language advocate

Floyd Favel (Plains Cree from Poundmaker Cree Nation), theater artist, educator, knowledge keeper, and writer

Marvin Weatherwax Sr. (Blackfeet), language and history educator at Blackfeet Community College

native america calling
Native America Calling
Listen to Native America Calling every weekday at 1pm Eastern.
Alternate Links: Native Voice One | NAC
Search
Filed Under
Tags
More Headlines
Native America Calling: Native skateboarding is a big deal
Indian boarding school bill sees renewed momentum on Capitol Hill
Press Release: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs prepares Indian boarding school bill for passage
Native America Calling: South Dakota faces criticism for stereotypes, disparities, and disrespect
‘All people are a part of Afro-Futurism’: Native artists join multimedia project in New York City
VIDEO: Virgil Ortiz and The Dream Machine Experience at Lincoln Center
AUDIO: H.R.7227, Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act
Native America Calling: Focusing on protecting, enhancing digital sovereignty
VIDEO: Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on S. 2908, S. 3263, S. 4000 & S. 4442
AUDIO: Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on S. 2908, S. 3263, S. 4000 & S. 4442
Native America Calling: A brief but meaningful viewing of Hopi artwork
Cronkite News: Bipartisan bill seeks to boost hiring of Indian Country teachers
NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know this Week
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation maintains proud military tradition
Native America Calling: Advocating for Traditional Ecological Knowledge
More Headlines