Our Mission

Diné Bizaad Bee Náásgóó Oodááł. 

Náásgóó nihaʼáłchíní Diné bizaad dóó beeʼeʼoolʼįįł bił danilį́į dooleeł dóó yee hadadítʼéii dooleeł.

The mission of the Diné Language Teachers Association is to preserve and perpetuate the Navajo language in Navajo Nation schools while providing a collaborative forum for educators. DLTA supports teachers and students of Diné language and culture and welcomes others with a strong interest in language preservation. The organization holds meetings throughout the year to share instructional practices and to discuss educational, linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cultural topics.

We Work in Four Areas

  • Educational Issues

    • Diné language teachers’ goals and needs 

    • Pedagogical applications concerning Diné language and  culture 

    • Teaching Diné as a first and second language

    • Training Diné language teachers

  • Linguistic Issues

    • Topics concerned with Diné linguistics 

    • Lexicography in the development of the Diné language

    • Outstanding works in Diné language studies

  • Spiritual and Cultural Issues

    • Spiritual guidance and support in language and culture  instruction 

    • Diné literature, poetry, songs and prayers

  • Sociolinguistic Issues

    • Diné language planning for the future; language  revitalization 

    • Diné language in government, law, medicine, economics,  journalism and science

Hózhǫ́ǫ́jíkʼehgo Naʼnitin Blessing Way Teachings

  • Há áhwiinítʼį́

    Be generous and kind

  • Kʼézhnídzin

    Acknowledge and respect kinship and clanship

  • Hane’zhdindzin

    Seek traditional knowledge and traditions

  • Ádáhozhdílzin

    Respect the sacred nature of the self

  • Hwiłʼílį́

    Respect values