The Poetry of America's Endangered Tongues: A Journey Through Van Sise's Lens
"On the National Language: The Poetry of America’s Endangered Tongues" is the latest literary and photographic masterpiece by acclaimed photographer B.A. Van Sise. This intriguing project is a glimpse into the heart of America, exploring it not just as a geographic tapestry but as a linguistic mosaic where endangered tongues struggle but pulsate with life.
A Photographic Journey Across America
Van Sise's journey across the United States is much more than a mere photographic endeavor; it is a poignant expedition into the soul of vanishing languages. Traveling from the Assyrian Church in Tarzana, where the pastor speaks Aramaic, to Tacoma, where a professor tirelessly advocates for Lushootseed, to the harmonious notes of Ladino sung in New York, his encounters are a testament to linguistic diversity.
According to Van Sise, America should be seen through a vast prism of language diversity, not merely through the dominant tongues. "America is a plural place," he remarked during a Zoom interview. His work underscores the notion that true diversity resides within the silent corners of the nation, where languages speak the narratives of survival against the odds imposed by history and modernity.
An Artistic Vision Rooted in Linguistic Love
With a resilient background in modern languages and fine art from Fordham, Van Sise brings a unique convergence of these fields into his projects. His prior endeavors, including "Children of Grass," a lauded series of American poets' portraits, blend visual art with literary expression. His photographs, some of which have graced the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, speak to an enduring kinship with language and art.
The impetus for "On the National Language" stemmed from a fortuitous moment while Van Sise was in Oklahoma. Inspired by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson speaking of his Samoan roots on radio, Van Sise realized the potential richness in exploring America's linguistic landscapes. Thus began a three-year journey reaching out to approximately 100 language revitalizers across diverse and remote terrains.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Frontlines of Language Revitalization
During his project, Van Sise discovered a rich tapestry of experiences that highlighted the distance—sometimes geographical but often cultural—with which these languages have intertwined in American life. The Amish community, where Pennsylvania Dutch is spoken, struck Van Sise as emblematic of the intricate challenges facing language preservation in an English-dominated society.
The decline of indigenous American languages is particularly acute, symptomatic of a legacy marred by colonialism, cultural assimilation, and systemic neglect. However, Van Sise's work documents both the peril these languages face and the triumphant efforts of revitalization. He notes that while some languages verge on extinction, others see new life through determined revitalization initiatives. Overcoming external pressures is an onerous task but a necessary one to prevent minority languages from folding into silence.
Revitalization efforts, particularly in California, have shown promising results. Immersion schools and preschool programs offer a beacon of hope, where young, impressionable individuals are reintroduced to their linguistic and cultural heritage. Van Sise's portrayal of these efforts reflects a commendable resilience and a commitment to cultural renewal.
An Exhibition That Celebrates Diversity
The culmination of Van Sise’s work is not confined to the pages of his book. His remarkable "On the National Language" exhibition opened at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles. Spanning from late September through March of the following year, the exhibit is a visual celebration of diversity amidst an era marked by social and political divides.
Van Sise anticipated skepticism and critique, given the intensity of the current sociopolitical climate. However, public reception has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a collective yearning for unity and understanding through the prism of our shared and varied linguistic heritage.
Beyond Practicality: The Emotional and Cultural Sanctity of Language
Van Sise's documentation transcends mere photographic observations. His work captures the essence of languages as more than tools of communication; they are vessels of identity, love, and cultural memory. "You do it because you love it," Van Sise asserts. Through his artistic lens, languages become immortalized not only for their utilitarian function but as profound expressions of cultural passion and dedication.
In "On the National Language," Van Sise does more than photograph subjects—he encapsulates a soulful narrative of resilience, respect, and reverence for America’s rich linguistic heritage. His work invites us to appreciate the linguistic diversity that may otherwise fade, urging an acknowledgment of the beauty within our plural identities. Through this project, Van Sise beckons us to celebrate linguistic diversity not just as a preservation effort but as an intrinsic quality of the nation itself.
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