Ancient Cultures and Traditions January 25, 2013

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington is often called “America’s Attic” because it contains a treasury of artifacts from before the origins of the USA up to the present day.

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City is a branch of the Smithsonian housed in a former Customs House.  There are many programs offered by the museum to illustrate the long history and the ongoing traditions of the original people of North and South America.

The cultures of the people that we mistakenly call “Indians” are presented in exhibits of artifacts and clothing, music and video, and often live presentations of dance.

Level 2 classes have been studying and discussing endangered cultures and languages.  Do you know that there are more than 6000 languages in existence today?  And that a number of them are disappearing year by year?

In the United States and in many other countries, elders in various native communities attempt to keep their traditions and languages alive by instructing young people in their ways of life.  All too often, however, children and teens want to stay “Americanized” and resist the efforts of older people to persuade them to maintain ancient customs.

PC TECH: English Language School in New York City