How do I learn my language?
Yeah for you! Stoked you want to learn more about your culture by learning to speak your language.
Luckily there are a lot of language revitalization programs happening. There are even seven tribes who have partnered with Rosetta Stone.
Language Classes
The first thing I’d do is to check with your tribe. They may offer language classes during school, after-school, or at the tribal center. You can find a number to call by doing an Internet search for your tribes official website.
If your tribe does not offer a language program, you’re going to have to get a bit more creative.
Hit up the Source
- Talk to Your Elders – I can’t stress enough how important it is to talk to your elders, whether you’re taking a language class or not. You need to hear your language spoken by an elder.
- Listen – the more you expose yourself to your language, you better your chances of learning it.
- Create Opportunities to Practice – it doesn’t have to be anything formal or planned. Just find time to sit with an elder or other native speakers. Check out the senior center – it can be a gold mine! Be open to learning, even if nothing ‘profound’ happens immediately. Piece by piece it will come together.
- Connect with Others – if there are other youth wanting to learn your language, see about setting up a group where you meet and practice speaking your language. It can help to be with others to learn alongside of. If you want to take it to the next level, get funded; check out We R Native’s mini-grant.
I hope this helps! Best of luck.
Auntie Manda
