The Role of Indigenous Languages and Focus Groups in Qualitative Inquiry

This chapter discusses the importance of Indigenous languages and focus group interviews in conducting research with communities whose first language is not English. My argument is part of a larger discourse about decolonizing research. This discourse problematizes the failure of researchers to recognize and respect the Indigenous communities’ perspectives and cultures in research (Cannella & Manuelito, 2008; Denzin et al., 2008; Iseke-Barnes, 2004; Manuelito, 2004; Mutua & Swadener, 2004; Ndimande, 2012; Smith, 1999; Swadener & Mutua, 2008). These scholars argue that researchers should disrupt colonialist tendencies at multiple levels by incorporating local languages and research methods that are acceptable in the value systems of Indigenous communities.