As you know I am a second language learner. I have committed myself to studying Chahta Anumpa for a minimum of 2 hours each day for the next 30+ months.
What do I do? I have many language materials but what I generally use each day is:
Choctaw language dictionary by Cyrus Byington
and
Choctaw Language and Culture by Marcia Haag and Henry Willis
I keep a copy of Chahta Anumpa Vmmona (a small book of vocabulary) with me and review when I have spare time in addition to regular studying
I have many 3x5 index cards which are color coded
a notebook
stickers (this is a little cheesy, but I add a sticker to new words. My kids think it's pretty great to remove these star stickers when I fully understand a new word)
I use flashcards for vocabulary. I find the color coded ones to be helpful and use them for nouns, verbs, adjectives etc. My kids don't know it, but it was for them, and I have noticed that as they go over flashcards with me their vocabulary is increasing. It also gets them involved which is priceless. They know words and statements, but they are using the new words that they are learning, and their vocabulary is increasing right along with mine.
Each day I study and add to my vocabulary. On a normal day I add a minimum of ten and usually many more words to my stack of cards. I will translate several paragraphs that I want to understand. I will for sentences and statements. Every time I see a number I will say it it myself in Chahta. Same for sentences and phrases. If I can translate it I will.
I make set of flashcards about seasons, parts of the body, items we regularly use in our home or things that we do. We then add sentences to these new words. I often cross reference vocabulary as I add it because Choctaw is such a descriptive language. One word will sometimes take me in a rabbit trail that fuels my language study. As I search through the dictionary to see another tense of a word new words or phrases jumps out at me and I add it to my stack. I will quickly review these flashcards several times a day which takes very little time. I find it to be very helpful to do this several times a day. I don't think this is necessary, I just know it helps me to remember.
Often I will find a saying, or see something written by others in Chahta and I will translate it or a song. I translate something every day. My ancestral language is so beautiful. So expressive. English pales in comparison. You don't really translate Chahta word for word, but I write out a paragraph with spaces underneath and translate it literally until I know and understand it and the vocabulary.
That is all for now. It's time for me to study.
Chi pisa la chike!
Nanaiya
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tell me why
I have committed myself to two and a half years (30 months) of intense concentrated language study and I have started this blog so that I can look back when the road ahead appears too long. While I know words and phrases in my ancestral language I don't have the knowledge and ability to converse freely in any topic. To speak to others and be understood. When we steadily move towards a goal, even a day at a time, much ground can be covered. I am writing for my children so they can tangibly see the progress that I make towards my goal. It is my hope that I will honor my ancestors as I seek to reacquire the language that was stolen from them and subsequent generations. It is my hope that others may be encouraged as they too make their language journey.
Our language is our medicine and the responsibility for learning Native languages rests on the shoulders of every adult in every Tribe. We must learn so that the we put an end to apathy and assimilation. We learn so we can revitalize each individual. Each couple. Each family. Each clan and subsequently our Tribes... We must learn to speak our languages so that we can pray to Creator in the languages given to our ancestors and teach our children.
Our language is our culture. It is in fact the very history of our ancestors as well as ourselves. We must know our songs. We must speak to our Elders and much is lost when we cannot hear the stories that have been handed down from generation to generation in another language.
Our language is our future. I choose to learn my Indigenous languages not only so I can speak to Elders, but so that I can speak to and teach my children and grandchildren. Indigenous languages are so beautiful, so descriptive and that beauty is being lost even as we speak. My language will not die because I choose to watch TV or play games rather than study. My language will not die because I choose to do any number of other things that might be perfectly good, but which will not help me in my desire to learn my language. This doesn't mean that I won't watch TV! It does mean that I will not watch TV when I haven't spent time studying.
Studying isn't glamourous, and yes it can be challenging. Many times it involves dictionaries and or workbooks. Flashcards and language CD's. Best yet is when you can spend time with others in your community and have them teach you one on one or in language classes. Don't be afraid to begin or be embarrassed by your skill level no matter what it may be. I encourage you to tell family members and friends about your endeavor and ask for their help. Pray to Creator before you begin your studies asking for help in learning and retaining the knowledge that you cover each day (yes, I said each day).
That is it for now. I hope and pray that you will follow me on my journey and lift me and my family up in prayer. This won't be easy, but I know I will get it done. One day at a time....
Our language is our medicine and the responsibility for learning Native languages rests on the shoulders of every adult in every Tribe. We must learn so that the we put an end to apathy and assimilation. We learn so we can revitalize each individual. Each couple. Each family. Each clan and subsequently our Tribes... We must learn to speak our languages so that we can pray to Creator in the languages given to our ancestors and teach our children.
Our language is our culture. It is in fact the very history of our ancestors as well as ourselves. We must know our songs. We must speak to our Elders and much is lost when we cannot hear the stories that have been handed down from generation to generation in another language.
Our language is our future. I choose to learn my Indigenous languages not only so I can speak to Elders, but so that I can speak to and teach my children and grandchildren. Indigenous languages are so beautiful, so descriptive and that beauty is being lost even as we speak. My language will not die because I choose to watch TV or play games rather than study. My language will not die because I choose to do any number of other things that might be perfectly good, but which will not help me in my desire to learn my language. This doesn't mean that I won't watch TV! It does mean that I will not watch TV when I haven't spent time studying.
Studying isn't glamourous, and yes it can be challenging. Many times it involves dictionaries and or workbooks. Flashcards and language CD's. Best yet is when you can spend time with others in your community and have them teach you one on one or in language classes. Don't be afraid to begin or be embarrassed by your skill level no matter what it may be. I encourage you to tell family members and friends about your endeavor and ask for their help. Pray to Creator before you begin your studies asking for help in learning and retaining the knowledge that you cover each day (yes, I said each day).
That is it for now. I hope and pray that you will follow me on my journey and lift me and my family up in prayer. This won't be easy, but I know I will get it done. One day at a time....
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