A baby’s first words are an exciting milestone, but how does the language the child is learning play a role in what sounds and words they learn first? Linguists have long studied these topics in majority languages, but few studies have explored Navajo and other indigenous languages. Dr. Melvatha Chee, director of the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center, is working to change that while empowering indigenous groups to conduct their own language work. This episode also features Saad K’idilyé, a Navajo language nest located in Albuquerque working to provide Navajo families with a place where their babies can be cared for and immersed in the Navajo language all day long.

Topics discussed in this episode:
Learn more about the UNM Indigenous Child Language Research Center.
Learn more about the Navajo Language Program at UNM. 
Learn more about Dr. Melvatha R. Chee.
Learn more about Saad K’idilyé.
Find It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science on X, Instagram, TikTok and podcast.unm.edu.

Ver todos los episodios