Starting on February 1, 2021, I challenged myself to practice speaking, reading, and writing Dine Bizaad (Navajo) every day. At the end of the month, I did learn a good amount of vocabulary. I still struggle with forming sentences and using correct verb tenses. Here are a sample of the resources I used throughout the month. I hope these help you like they helped me! Check out my Youtube review HERE!
Websites
Navajo Now (Navajo flash cards)
A blog by Krystle Seschillie, she encourages language practice! If you want to find what resources are available on learning Navajo, check out her extensive Resource page. She has links to books, events, programs, websites, videos, and more.
Great for: anyone who doesn’t know where to start learning Navajo; find resources.
Active on: Twitter @NavajoNow
Glospe Dictionary (English to Navajo)
As long as the “English to Navajo” settings are selected at the top of the page, you can type in any English word and it will generate translations. For most terms, it will include definitions (in English), pictures, the Navajo translation, and examples of the Navajo word in a sentence or paragraph. I’m not sure of the specifics, but similar to Wikipedia, anyone can create an account and add translations, spellings, and audio.
Great for: finding Navajo spellings, similar Navajo terms, examples in a sentence, reading practice.
Lists of clans, relationships, handling verbs, time, and more. This is part of nihizaad.com – an Indigenous language news outlet.
Great for: anyone looking for Navajo vocabulary, flash cards.
Active on: Twitter @NavajoWeb
Create a free account, select Navajo language, and begin some basic Navajo language practice! Pretty neat resource, great for students and practice exercises. It also sends you reminder emails to track your progress!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media apps have taken over the world! We all have our preferences and opinions on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, Twitter, and Youtube. We may think some are for specific purposes or age groups. I admit, I do have one too many social media accounts and I have found Navajo language media in all of them! See amazing accounts utilizing videos, graphic design, art, photography, cooking, fashion, and more to celebrate and share the beauty of Dine Bizaad! Of course, follow them or subscribe to their channel!
As with all of these platforms, simply search for #navajolanguage or #dinebizaad.
TIKTOK
- @l1ttlewolves
Navajo, mom, created some Navajo language videos on numbers, consonants, days, months, seasons, vowels, colors, and more. She recently started uploading these on Youtube too! I love that I can like them and go back and watch them for practice!
- @whattheliz1294
Navajo sheep herder! All of her videos are in Navajo! She films as she’s herding sheep, taking walks with her dogs, and practicing Navajo with her grandchildren. It’s so cute and inspiring to see! I could watch her videos over and over trying to translate, and trying to repeat what she says.
- @indigenousbabe
Navajo, funny makeup videos. She posts a variety of funny videos. My favorite are her makeup videos in Navajo.
Many users will post in or about Navajo Language. In addition, there are many creators selling Navajo stickers, shirts, decor, and more. It’s hard to select a few profiles, but here are my recent favorites.
Active on both Facebook and Instagram, Radmilla Cody is always sharing some Navajo! She is one of the creators of Shi’ma Storytelling.
Beautiful voice! Recently she has posted videos of singing Navajo songs with her grandma. She did live streams over the holidays. Let’s all sing like Talibah Begay! Find her on Youtube too.
Navajo/Acoma speech language pathologist, father, and entrepreneur. Joshuaa does a Navajo word of the day with his kids and helped with distribute Native American books around the Navajo tribe in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic (#ndnbooks).
Shi’ma Storytelling (page)
Dine Bizaad Dictionary (page)
Dine Studies Conference (page)
Dine Bizaad (Group)
YOUTUBE (Active channels)
Everyone’s goal and fluency level in learning Navajo is different. You may prefer textbooks, or you may prefer videos and phone apps. There are many language learning resources out there, and not just for Navajo! There are always amazing individuals creating new art, videos, crafts, books, meme’s, blogs, and other resources that can help you in your language learning journey!
I will try to update this list as I come across more resources. Feel free to keep the conversation going in the comments by adding your favorite resource!