Some Native Americans are bilingual. They speak English with non-Native Americans but might use their native language with relatives and other tribe members.
In some Native American communities, however, a Native American language is rarely heard. Many Native Americans stopped using their own languages because of pressure from U.S. officials.
Until recently, for instance, Native American students attending government schools would be severely punished if they said a word in the language of their tribe.
As a result, some Native American languages are in danger of being forgotten forever. To preserve them, tribes have started programs to teach their languages to their children, who can then pass along this knowledge to future generations.
