This course explores the vast linguistic diversity of the Americas: native languages, pidgins, creoles, mixed languages, and other languages in North, Central, and South America, including the Caribbean. We will examine historical and current issues of multilingualism to understand the relationship between language, identity, and social mobility. We will discuss how languages played a central role in colonization and nation-building processes, and how policies contribute to language loss and reclamation. This semester, we will work with members of the Munsee Delaware Nation and the Delaware Tribe of Indians to develop community relationships and collaborate in a small project. This course has no prerequisites and is intended for students interested in learning more about aboriginal languages in the Americas. The course is taught in English, and no special knowledge of linguistics is expected. It includes class visits from language keepers and community members. Students pursuing a minor or a major in Spanish are required to complete written course work in Spanish. This course may fulfill your CD or EC requirement.