ABSTRACT
The languages of Indigenous people are primarily structured through a unique relationship with their environment and ecology within their place in the cosmic universe. This provides a holistic world view in which everything in the ecosystem is interrelated, though an elaborate system of knowing, commonly referred to as traditional ecological knowing/knowledge. The Diné emphasize awareness of parts as they relate to the whole dynamic system, without divisions. A difficulty in cross-cultural communication lies in the realm of informal learning as a designated space where learning can take place. This pre-supposes that there are different learning spaces and styles, most often markedly separate. Formal learning is supposed to take place in a school setting while informal learning is supposed to take place in an informal, out of school setting. To the Navajo mind there is no differentiation. In fact, almost all traditional learning would take place out of the school setting, among family, and community.
