- It can be possible to take the “glass half-full” approach to these stories. Going through elementary school Native Legends and stories were used to explain positive attributes such as patience, forgiveness, love and bravery. The question could then become has English altered these stories to fit an English standard or portray an American Perspective. However, I believe that if the core message still gets through the translation, it is still worthwhile.
- A way to teach stories to children is by use of a storyboard with large pictures. My mom is an early childhood educator and deals with kids who are not able to read yet. For storytime she has these large books and before she reads the story she asks “OK friends what do you think____ is feeling,doing etc…” This allows the students to become actively engaged in the story without dialogue because they see with their eyes what is happening. I believe that this could be done to teach Native stories without imposing English upon story.
- Probably the most historic example of Englishing was during the time of immigration. Immigrants were sometimes given new names to sound more American or willingly changed their name for the same effect. For example my family name was Engels but my ancestors dropped the s to sound more American (turned out to be a positive given that my family is related to Friedrich Engels who co authored the Communist Manifesto). Furthermore as the immigrants progressed in society speaking in their native tongue was discouraged effectively stamping out their language from this country.