Linguistics is defined as the study of language, but in reality, it is so much more than that. To fully understand the language of a people, one must first develop an understanding of the people themselves.
Double click to edit"At the heart of the American Indian oral tradition is a deep and unconditional belief in the efficacy of language. Words are intrinsically powerful. They are magical. By means of words can one ... quiet the raging weather, bring forth the harvest, ward off evil, rid the body of sickness and pain, subdue an enemy, capture the heart of a lover, live in the proper way, and venture beyond death." Scott Momaday