Geneva Woomavoyah Navarro, a Comanche elder, recently celebrated her 98th birthday. Her remarkable story embodies the battle for the survival of endangered languages. In her Santa Fe home, decorated with collected art and family photos, I was invited to photograph her.
Today, Geneva is one of the very few individuals left who can speak Comanche fluently. I wanted to capture her in a way that honored her culture and story, not the striking image I’d dreamt up. It was a complex task: how to capture her essence, her resilience, alongside the weight of carrying generations of language and history on her shoulders, all while maintaining the respect and dignity she so rightly deserves.
“I’ve lived nearly a century,” she confessed, “and I’m tired of being beautiful.”
This raw honesty, a single phrase, became the heart of my project. It transformed everything, illuminating the quiet strength beneath the elaborate regalia, the world encapsulated within each wrinkle. And inside. Still, I can capture a crowded space through
The struggle to document and revitalize college✨. Each person I met on this journey, from Navajo to Crow to Cup’ig, carries within them the weight of generations. Their faces tell a story of both loss and triumph, not dissimilar from Geneva’s.
Like Geneva, these individuals understand the urgency. They are fighting time itself. The burden is overwhelming, yet they persevere because the words carry more than just sounds; they carry history,
In its purest form, language is profoundly beautiful, woven into the fabric of
books, it must always be on display in and of itself, where these landscape. It’s a wonder that traverses the shadows of vanished cultures, a flame flickering only stronger and stronger, to be passed from one generation to the next, a quiet defiance against time and
I wanted to capture this essence, to depict more than just their languages. I wanted to highlight their beauty
creation, to herding many native communities. Yet they assume, know no boundaries. I’m walking
And when it strikes the image itself,
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the American story. And the unique tapestry of living. A few folks
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Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Linguistic Preservation Expert, Dr. Amy Salvador
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Salvador! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the incredible story of Geneva Woomavoyah Navarro, a Comanche elder who recently celebrated her 98th birthday. Her life story is not only fascinating but symbolizes the urgent need to preserve endangered languages. What strikes you most about her journey?
Dr. Salvador: Thank you for having me! Geneva’s journey is profoundly inspiring. She represents the living connection to the Comanche language and culture, which are at risk of disappearing. Her resilience at nearly a century old emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and the role individuals like her play in cultural preservation.
Editor: Absolutely. In light of the statistics showing that many indigenous languages are fading, how significant is it to capture and share the stories of speakers like Geneva?
Dr. Salvador: It’s crucial. Every language carries unique worldviews and knowledge systems. When speakers like Geneva share their stories, they not only preserve their language but also pass down cultural nuances that might otherwise be lost. Documenting their lives helps keep their languages alive for future generations.
Editor: In the article, the photographer mentions their intent to capture Geneva in a way that honors her culture rather than simply creating a striking image. How can visual representation play a role in the preservation of languages and cultures?
Dr. Salvador: Visual representation is vital. It can evoke emotions and connect people to cultural narratives in a way that words sometimes cannot. A photograph of Geneva in her home, surrounded by art and family photos, tells a story of community and heritage. This visual storytelling elevates the importance of her language beyond mere words, contextualizing it within her life and experiences.
Editor: Speaking of experiences, Geneva is one of the few remaining fluent speakers of Comanche. What challenges do these last speakers face in preserving their language?
Dr. Salvador: They face numerous challenges, including the lack of resources and support for language revitalization. Many elders like Geneva may struggle with loneliness and the fear that their language won’t be passed on due to the generational gap. Additionally, there’s a societal tendency to prioritize dominant languages, which can further alienate indigenous voices.
Editor: It sounds like support for these language speakers is crucial. What can communities and individuals do to help preserve endangered languages like Comanche?
Dr. Salvador: Communities can create language revitalization programs, encourage the teaching of indigenous languages in schools, and promote cultural celebrations that feature storytelling and history. Individuals can also engage by learning the language, attending cultural events, or simply listening to and sharing stories from speakers like Geneva. There’s power in collective effort and commitment to honoring these languages.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Salvador. Geneva’s story and the stories of other elders remind us of the enduring power of culture and language. As we celebrate individuals like her, it’s essential for everyone to recognize their role in preserving these critical components of human heritage.
Dr. Salvador: Exactly! Every effort counts, and together, we can create an environment where every language has the chance to flourish once more. Thank you for shining a light on this important issue.
Editor: It’s been a pleasure, Dr. Salvador. We look forward to continuing this discussion as we advocate for the preservation of endangered languages.