Diné Bizaad Bitsisiléí Bóhoo’aah: A Basis for learning Navajo

Abstract

This guide is meant to provide a brief introduction to the Navajo language, Diné Bizaad. It is understood that most of the present Diné youth speak English as their only language, as the population of Diné Bizaad speakers increase in age. This guide assumes an English-speaking background and attempts to make basic connections between English and the Diné language. In order for these connections to be clear, the guide uses basic English grammar principles to relate to Diné Bizaad grammar. Each chapter introduces a grammatical concept in English to enhance the understanding of new concepts that may exist in Diné Bizaad. Influenced by ideas in Comprehensible Input and Holistic Learning methodologies, this guide intends to encourage learners to situate themselves in Diné Bizaad basics as well as develop a sense of direction upon completion. A simplified look at the structure of Diné Bizaad words and basic sentences should allow for learners to recognize patterns in the language as they encounter them in the future.