Question

Make and support a claim about why someone should read this text. What makes this text worth reading? What will a reader gain or what might a reader do after reading this? Support your response with specific details from the text. This is for an article called Coronavirus kills Indigenous elders, accelerating loss of languages on Newsela.

Answer 1

The article on Newsela about the impact of COVID-19 on the loss of Indigenous languages is informational and emotional, revealing how health crises can lead to cultural erosion. It elucidates the importance of understanding this interconnectedness and may inspire readers to engage in language preservation. Readers enhance their comprehension and contribute to meaningful discussions about cultural heritage by reading slowly and critically.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reading the article titled Coronavirus Kills Indigenous Elders, Accelerating Loss of Languages on Newsela is worth the time for several poignant reasons. Firstly, it presents the critical issue of losing not only human lives to the pandemic but also the invaluable linguistic and cultural heritage that Indigenous elders carry. As a result, a reader gains insight into the interconnectedness of health crises and cultural preservation, understanding the broader impact of the coronavirus beyond the immediate health implications.

The text is informational and emotional, drawing the reader into the narrative of endangered languages through the lens of the current global challenge. By applying the principles of slow and active reading, one can analyze the presented evidence, assess the implications, and reflect on the broader conversation about cultural loss and preservation. The loss of indigenous languages is not just about the loss of words but about the disappearance of unique worldviews and knowledge systems embedded in those languages.

After reading, individuals may feel compelled to explore the topic further, or even contribute to language preservation efforts. The understanding and critical thinking skills enhanced by reading such texts pave the way for more informed discussions and actions regarding cultural heritage and the importance of diversity.

Answer 2

1. Reading this text will make people aware of the effect a pandemic can have on the existence and continuity of languages.

2. This text is worth reading because the issues raised in it are universal and affect every community in the world that speaks an indigenous language. India, Brazil, and Peru were some countries listed that were affected by the issues raised. Many more are affected.

3. A reader would come to realize the importance of language and the need for its continuity. The point is that, when a language is lost, concepts, ways of reasoning, subtle variations, history, songs, traditions, etc., are lost.

Step-by-step explanation:

This article by Terrence McCoy is an eye-opener to the fact that since the pandemic affected mostly older people with weak immunity, the death of these old ones would also affect their roles and responsibilities as custodians of language and culture.

1. The article says that Aritana Yawalapiti was 71 years old when he died of the corona virus disease. He spoke five languages and his death means that all five languages are gone with him.

2. Language is unique to every tribe and region and since the pandemic affected the world, the language loss would also affect most languages in the world so it is important that everyone reads this article so as to see ways to salvage their language from extinction.

3. This article is very beneficial as it shows the importance of language and why it should be preserved.