FARMINGTON, N.M. — New Mexico has adopted a textbook for learning the Navajo language.

The textbook's co-author, Evangelina Parsons Yazzie, was on hand at Farmington High School Friday with Gov. Bill Richardson and other state officials to adopt the book.

Yazzie says Navajo is one of eight American Indian languages taught in New Mexico public schools and is one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn.

Yazzie — who is a Navajo professor at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff — says the book helps students learn the complex verbs that make up much of the language.

She says it also introduces them to Navajo culture.

The text, "Rediscovering the Navajo Language," is aimed at beginning classes at the high school and college level.

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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com




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