Language learning among Aboriginal children
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Of the 57,110 First Nations children aged 2 to 5 who were living off reserve in 2006, 1 out of 5 were able to understand an Aboriginal language, while the majority spoke mostly English or French at home. About 10% of children were spoken to primarily in an Aboriginal language at home: for 8% of them, English or French was also spoken; for 1% of them, an Aboriginal language was spoken exclusively.
Exposing young children to an Aboriginal language at home plays a key role in their acquisition of the language.
Understanding an Aboriginal language is linked with other factors: being in a child care arrangement where Aboriginal languages are used; having parents who believe in the importance of Aboriginal languages; having at least one parent with an Aboriginal mother tongue; the involvement of an extended family; living in a community perceived by parents as a good place to practise First Nations cultural activities; and participating often in traditional hunting, fishing, trapping or camping activities.
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