Navajo MAP

Diné Bizaad Ayóó Yee Yádałti’ígíí Bits'á̹á̹dóó Bihoo’aah
Learning Navajo from Fluent Speakers

What is the Navajo Mentor-Apprentice Program (MAP)?

The Navajo Mentor-Apprentice Program is a component of the Navajo Language Suite of courses offered at the University of Arizona. The program was launched in 2021 as a part of Shifting Pedagogies for Learning the Navajo Language: Applying a Mentor-Apprentice Paradigm through Technology, a study by Dr. Aresta Tsosie-Paddock focused on deepening linguistic and cultural knowledge for Navajo language learners using an online mentor-apprentice framework.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any student enrolled in the Navajo language suite of courses at UA (Diné Bizaad AIS/LING 104a & 104b and Intermediate Diné Bizaad AIS/LING 204a & 204b) is eligible to participate. Students may participate as either an apprentice or a non-apprentice — both groups are needed and will contribute valuable information to the study.

How does the Program work?

Apprentices will meet with a mentor once a week via Zoom to develop their skills in the Navajo language and expand their cultural knowledge. Non-apprentices will grant access to coursework and assessments for comparison purposes. The study will be used to improve the Navajo language program here at UA, share outcomes with external Navajo language programs, and help to bolster Navajo language speakers and cultural knowledge.

Apprentices are encouraged to remain in the Navajo MAP as long as they continue taking classes in the Navajo Language Suite of courses — up to 4 semesters.

What else do I need to know?

Participation in this program is not a course requirement, and it will not affect your grades in any current or future courses.

If you choose to join the program (either as an apprentice or non-apprentice), you will receive a gift card for your participation. Apprentices will also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

If you are interested in participating, or have any other questions, please contact lab director Samantha Prins at samanthaprins@arizona.edu for more information.