He earned his master's degree in linguistics from the University of Oregon. After years of studying with Tolowa elders, Bommelyn has published educational material about the Tolowa language. He played a role in convincing the University of California system to accept Native American languages as part of its entrance requirements for world language.
He earned a master's degree in linguistics from the University of Oregon after years of studying with Tolowa elders, Bommelyn has published educational materials about the Tolowa language and played a role in convincing the University of California system to accept Native American languages as part of its world language entrance requirements.