Anumpa Achukma/Good News
Language Loss Can Be Reversed
2007.12.7
This is a newsletter dedicated to reporting the successes in revitalizing endangered languages worldwide. Share your good news with us by sending us an article about your program or current activity in revitalizing an endangered language.
Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested.
Planning
Planning is an important part of
success in language maintenance and/or revitalization. In fact, planning is
important for the success of many things. As we end this year, let’s
begin the process.
Step One—Set your goals.
These goals or objectives must be known by all involved so that everyone can
take actions that will create them. Get together with your friends and family
over a good meal and come up with some goals for your own language.
Start now!
Success Stories from Various Sources
Language revitalization
featured at education conference
Indian Country Today
HONOLULU - Language revitalization
programming was highlighted at the
38th annual convention of the National Indian Education
Association, held in Honolulu Oct.
25 - 28. Approximately 3,000 attendees from tribes throughout the United States were welcomed by
the
organization's first Native
Hawaiian president, VerlieAnn Leimomi
Malina-Wright, vice principal of the K - 12 Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Anuenue Hawaiian language immersion
school. Hawaiian language chanting
and hula by Anuenue's Hawaiian-speaking football team were part of the opening ceremonies.
Throughout the conference, a wide
variety of presentations on Native
language teaching were held. One special feature was a two-day
forum on language revitalization
through immersion schooling held in the
convention center theater. The forum featured panels of teachers, community members, teacher preparation
programs, researchers and
administrators discussing national best practices in immersion. The high academic performance of students
in Native language immersion
programs nationwide was stressed by researchers.
Complete story http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416185>
From ABC news
Koori school reaps language
benefits
Teachers at a Sydney high school
say since they've been teaching Indigenous students the Dharug language, the
students have lifted their attendance rates.
Full video http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2007/12/04/2109099.htm
For the record, Dharug is
considered extinct. Doesn't much sound like it though... (ignore the fact that the presenter calls it
'Jurack')
Cherokee Language Classes/Open
to the public
Osiyo
I just spoke to Ben and he said
the registration for Cherokee classes will open December 17, 2007 and the
classes will start January 7, 2008 wado ale donadagohvi
and you might spread the
word. I have ale wado
Ed Fields
Look for the link to the language
classes.
Kelso students learn Wiradjuri
language
Australia,Western Advocate
26 November 2007 - 5:14PM
STUDENTS are learning the
Wiradjuri language as part of Kelso Public School’s indigenous heritage
program. Teacher Cassandra Hayes said the program had been operating for almost
two years. “Aboriginal children from stage two and three meet every
Wednesday to participate in cultural activities, learning the Wiradjuri
language and literacy skills,” Ms Hayes said.
To access full article, follow the
link below.
Last of the Siletz speakers
Sunday, November 25, 2007
NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES
The Oregonian Staff
As native languages of the
Northwest fade into extinction, tribal member Bud Lane is racing to keep Oregon
Coastal Athabaskan alive -- one ancient whispered word at a time
"Chabayu." Bud Lane presses his lips against the tiny ear of his
blue-eyed grandbaby and whispers her Native name.
"Ghaa\UNSTRIP-yalh," he beckons -- "come here" -- in words
so old, ears heard them millennia before anyone with blue eyes walked this
land. In his voice, the Siletz man hopes to teach her a tongue almost no one
else understands.
As the Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians celebrate 30 years since they won back tribal status from the
federal government, the language of their people is dying. By some standards,
Oregon Coastal Athabaskan is already dead. Just four others in the world speak
it fluently. At 50, Lane is among the youngest.
Sealaska releases new language
tools
Interactive Web program helps
teach Tlingit skills
ERIC MORRISON,JUNEAU EMPIRE
Seventy-year-old Tlingit teacher Ruth Demmert has seen
firsthand how the Internet and computer technology can inspire the younger
generation of Alaska Natives to embrace its culture. "I believe it sparks
the interest of the younger people, and I know there's a lot more younger
people out there showing pride in the language," she said. Sealaska
Heritage Institute has posted two new interactive language tools on its Web
site this week in its continued effort to teach the Tlingit language.
To access full article, just follow
the link below
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/112207/loc_20071122001.shtml
Chile High School Student
Preserves Patagonian Indigenous Languages
(Nov. 19, 2007) Sixteen-year-old
Santiago high school student Joubert Yantén has a mission: to preserve
Patagonia’s indigenous languages and worldviews through music.
To access full article, just
follow the link below
http://www.tcgnews.com/santiagotimes/index.php?nav=story&story_id=15291&topic_id=15
National Science Foundation
Makes Documenting Endangered Languages Permanent Program
NSF commits to full-time research
of vanishing linguistic heritage
November 20, 2007
After funding more than $10
million dollars of scientific research and study projects during the last three
years to record and analyze some of the world's most endangered languages, the
National Science Foundation (NSF) recently made its Documenting Endangered
Languages (DEL) initiative a permanent program.
To access full article, just
follow the link below.
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=110719&org=NSF&from=news
NBC Universal Alphabet/Flash
Cards
We're been so overwhelmed that
I've had to turn down a number of requests until we get more manpower and
funds. Would it be possible to
mention this in the next newsletter if there's room?
I just don't want anyone to feel
like they've been misled. I'm also
trying to get some of my coworkers' middle and high school kids to
"adopt" a tribe and take care of designing the 100 flashcards. Some of their schools have "community
service" requirements and this project will qualify for that.
This is a new project for all of
us so we're learning as we go along.
Thanks for your help and have a great weekend!
Patricia (NBC Universal)
Teaching Oregon Native Languages
Speaking to keep their native tongue alive
John Grap,The Enquirer
FULTON — There's a lot of quiet whispering and speaking softly as a small class of students whispers words that are rarely heard any more. It's a warm and windy evening as this brave band of five — including 7-year-old Onyleen Zapata and her grandmother Ruth Ann Chivis — sit around tables inside Pine Creek Reservation's community center, learning the Potawatomi language, which is related to Algonquin, Ojibwe and Odawa.
To access the full article, follow the link below.
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/NEWS01/711150336/1002/NEWS01
This book tells the story of perseverance and survival against unbelievable odds, using the words of today's speakers and learners of Oregon's languages. Interviews with fifty-two native speakers provide valuable insights into how languages are lost and how a linguistic heritage can be brought to life. Teaching Oregon Native Languages discusses the role of state and federal language policies, explores how archival collections can be used in language revitalization, and describes strategies for creating a successful teaching environment. A timely and necessary resource, it will educate all readers about the important efforts underway to revitalize Oregon's first languages.
Contributors: Joan Gross, Erin Haynes, Deanna Kingston, David Lewis, and Juan
Trujillo
Editor--Joan Gross is professor of anthropology at Oregon State University. A linguistic anthropologist, she has conducted research on minority languages and verbal art and taught classes on language and culture at OSU since 1989. She is the author of Speaking in Other Voices: An Ethnography of Walloon Puppet Theaters.
Dogrib-language books hit the shelves
Christine Grimard, Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, November 7, 2007
http://nnsl.com/northern-news-services/stories/papers/nov7_07bks.html#
YELLOWKNIFE - Two professionally-published books telling tales both inEnglish and Dogrib are a landmark in publishing, according to Yellowknife Book Cellar owner Judith Drinnan. The Old Man with the Otter Medicine and The Legend of the Caribou Boy, published by Theytus Books of B.C., have been on the shelves since the end of September. They are both stories written by the late John Blondin as told by his father George Blondin, a well-known Behchoko elder and author.
Fifteen hundred copies of the books are being distributed to schools teaching the Dogrib language, including Yk Education District No. 1 schools and in all the Tlicho communities.
Comanche Flash Cards
Thank you so much for sending the newsletter. It is always full of good information.
One part caught my eye in particular -- about the flash cards. We have had flash cards for several years now, helping to teach our children -- and adults, too. We have three sets and you can see a sample on our web site at www.comanchelanguage.org then scroll to products for sale. We have a CD that speaks each word on the flash cards that we send out with them. Our new Comanche National Museum is doing an excellent job of helping preserve our language, also. I will notify you when they are online.
Thought this might be of interest to you.
Sincerely, Barbara Goodin.
Native tongue: MSU classes help Ojibwe language survive
Matthew Miller,Lansing State Journal
Published November 13, 2007
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071113/NEWS01/711130334/1001/news
The Ojibwe word that Autumn Mitchell likes best is "pkwezhigaans." Literally, it means "little bread." Practically, it can mean cookies, crackers or muffins. It's the same word for all three. It's not a word she's known for very long, but she sees it as a part of her history all the same or, perhaps better, a part of her heritage. Mitchell, 19, is a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, but she didn't learn more than a few words of the language growing up. (Chippewa and Ojibwe are fundamentally the same language.)
She's learning it now at Michigan State University, in part, because she doesn't want it to fade away. "Not a lot of people from where I come from speak the language anymore," she said.
The 2000 Census listed 8,350 Ojibwe speakers in the U.S., 1,270 of those were in Michigan. Those numbers are almost certainly smaller now.
According to the Modern Language Association, there were 25 percent more students learning American Indian languages in 2002 than there were in 1998.
Contact Matthew Miller at 377-1046 or< mrmiller@lsj.com>
More on the Web
• Learn more about the Ojibwe language athttp://www.ojibwe.net.
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Conferences
APRIL 2th - 8th
The Easterfestival in Kautokeino is a seven day journey through Saami culture and its versatility. You can experience a number of concerts with Saami and Norwegian artists. You can also participate in the reindeer racing world cup, or maybe snowscooter racing is your thing? Art exhibitions, theatre performances, a Saami film festival and religious activities complete the picture. In addition to this you can also experience "Finnmarksvidda" (The Finnmark Tundra) in all its bathed splendor and let the nothern lights perform for you at night.
http://www.saami-easterfestival.org/Home.html
SAVE THE DATE- SAVE THE DATE- SAVE THE DATE- SAVE THE DATE-
Live Your Language Alliance (LYLA) invites you to join us in our 1st Annual Native Languages Conference: Shut Up & Talk*: Gathering The Tools To Live Our Languages
March 17-19, 2007 @ Humboldt State University-Arcata, CA
More information, call to conference and call for presenters available online after 12/01/07
* This theme was chosen not to offend but rather as an attempt to challenge people to make a commitment to developing the skills, knowledge and resources needed to preserve the vitality of our Native languages and to speak them in our daily lives.
Full Title: Conference on Endangered Languages and
Cultures of NativeAmerica
Short Title: CELCNA
Date: 28-Mar-2008 - 30-Mar-2008
Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Contact Person: Tamrika Khvtisiashvili
Meeting Email: tamrikak@hotmail.com
Linguistic Field(s): Language Documentation
Call Deadline: 18-Jan-2008
Meeting Description
Conference on Endangered Languages and Cultures of Native America (CELCNA)
Papers or posters are invited on any aspect of American Indian languages, in particular on documentation or revitalization. American Indian participants are especially invited. Papers are 20 minutes each in length, with an additional 10 minutes for discussion.
Deadline: for Abstracts: Jan. 18, 2008. The Program Committee will announce results about Feb. 1.
Papers and posters can be presented in English or Spanish; abstracts can be submitted in English or Spanish. There will some be Spanish language sessions, and those working with indigenous languages of Latin America are encouraged to come and participate.
Abstract guidelines: Abstracts, no longer than 500 words (a paragraph or two
will do), should include paper title, name of author(s), affiliation. Abstracts should be submitted by e-mail, in Microsoft Word document, RTF, or PDF.
Include contact details for January to April 2008. Only one abstract per person
(except where a paper has multiple authors). Please call: Tel. 801-587-0720 or 801-581-3441 during business hours, or Fax 801-585-7351.
3rd Annual Voices of the
Earth—Threatened Languages Poetry Reading
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2-5 PM
Winnings Coffee Company
111 Harvard SE
Albuquerque, NM
Languages—Navajo, Choctaw, Quichua, Quiche Maya, Nahuatl, Sesotho, Maori
This program brings threatened languages to an urban audience and encourages others to continue their efforts.
Contact George Ann hoanumpoli@yahoo.com
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Postitions
* 3-year assistantship for Athabaskan, Tlingit and Eyak work
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Michael Krauss (ffmek@uaf.edu) 27 Nov 2007
A three-year NSF-funded full-time position is available in Fairbanks, Alaska, for someone with linguistic and comparative philological talent and an interest in data management and digital entry, to work closely with Michael Krauss and Jeff Leer on (1) a comparative Athabaskan and comparative Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit database and dictionary; and (2) an Eyak dictionary and grammar.
Interest and talent are necessary. A previous knowledge of and/or exposure to these languages is unnecessary, but obviously an advantage. The salary range depends on experience.
An interview with Krauss at the LSA-SSILA meetings in Chicago, January 4-7, is highly desirable.
E-mail a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest to Michael Krauss (ffmek@uaf.edu).
* Possible job in Mexico
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Tom Givon (tgivon@uoregon.edu) 21 Nov 2007
An established linguistics program in Mexico is looking for a norteño person to teach in a Masters program tilted towards functionally- and typologically-oriented linguistics, field work, and indigenous languages. This is a good opportunity for a fresh Ph.D. who is interested in the indigenous languages of Meso-America. The salary is low by norteño standards (ca. $2,000 per month, with yearly incrementation), but free housing is included (!). They would like someone with high motivation and a commitment to 4-5 years (at least) of work in Mexico. There is probably a possibility of longer-termemployment.
If you are interested, or if know someone else who may fit the profile, please contact me (or have them contact me) at tgivon@uoregon.edu.
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5th World Institute
Santa Fe/Albuquerque, New Mexico
505-553-9988
Carlos Mundy of the 5th World Navajo Studies Institute is available to provide private individual, group and public sessions on the prototype Navajo cultural knowledge. These series of topics is available to Historical society, Schools, and Colleges. Arrangement can be made for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and possible weekend and/or evening.
Session One:
“Essence of Navajo Philosophy”, This topic is about the meaning of basic emergence colors used to explain abstract concept of origin as told by the Dine today, yesterday and the future. It may include “origin” chant. (Length is 1 to 1 ½ hour)
Session Two:
“Colors of the Five Navajo Worlds.”, This topic focus on the colors of the five major Navajo world, the Prayers and chants “I Live According to this Worlds.” A traditional Navajo songs used by the Twins while on their journey to the Sun, their father. (1 to 1 ½)
Session Three:
“Basic Navajo Philosophy of the nature of Duality and the Navajo socio-cultural institution.”, This chants and philosophy focus on the songs of duality of the original Navajo Blessing way ceremonial songs. (1 hour in length)
Session Four:
“The Dine/Navajos, The Ancient Southwest and The Americas.”, Topic will focus on the Navajos and their relationship to the ancient Americas. The Navajo language in the southwest existed as predominate language prior to the Spanish arrival will be the focus of discussion.(1 to 1 ½ hour in length)
Other topics are “Oral History of the Dine”, “Changing Woman-Purpose and Philosophy”, and “The concept of Clan, Navajo Patriarch with matrilineal based social system”, “Philosophy of the Hogan”, and more.
Carlos Mundy is a Professor at the Navajo Community College for 17 years teaching in the area of Navajo and Indian Studies Dept. Presently Carlos is going to art school in Santa Fe, N. M. Carlos has been a Scholar @ D’Arcy McNickle Center for the History American Indian, Smithsonian Institute, Shanghai Museum, China, American Indian Heritage Museum, New York, N.Y. He is a Navajo prototype Linguist, Researcher, Traditional Navajo Healing Practitioner, Lecturer and Chanter. Contact information: Carlos_mundy@hotmail.com
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Ho Anumpoli! is a New Mexico non-profit organization. For more information about us, go to http://www.oocities.org/hoanumpoli
Send your success story to us at holabitubbe@gmail.com
For previous issues of Anumpa Achukma, go to http://www.oocities.org/hoanumpoli/anumpa.html
George Ann Gregory, Ph.D.
Choctaw/Cherokee
Fulbright Scholar