Lakota Summer Institute brings learners online

Over 60 participants came together for the Lakota Summer Institute (July 6-17). Beginner and pre-intermediate learners found opportunities to advance their knowledge of Lakota vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, as well as grow their conversational skills. We're so thankful to the instructors and learners who made this great event possible.
Our attendees said it best:

"Have enjoyed it! Wonderful effort by all staff!"
"I really liked this program. It was fun to get to know that there is people all around the world that want to know about the Lakota language."
"Loved it! Let's do it again next year if we can."

Malak Malak Vocab Builder released with Northern Land Council

TLC-Australia and Northern Land Council are proud to announce the release of the Malak Malak Vocab Builder. Malak Malak traditional owners provided hours of work to create this app. The Canberra Times recently wrote about the work we've done in the Daly River region. You can read the article here.

Crow Language Consortium work recognized.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis did a wonderful write-up of all the language revitalization efforts within the Crow community, including the Rapid Word Collection workshops, the Crow Summer Institute, and the work on Crow language materials. Crow Language Consortium board members Curtis Yarlott and Dr. Janine Pease both provide quotes about the importance of language revitalization. Read the article here.

Dakota Online Summer Institute July 27-31/August 3-7

The Language Conservancy and Dakhóta Iápi Okhódakičhiye are excited for the Dakota Summer Institute. This ongoing two-week online institute has classes for beginner Dakota speakers as well as Dakota teachers. Beginners will learn the basics of conversation, grammar, spelling, and pronunciation. Teachers will learn best practices for pedagogy, how to utilize Dakota materials, and activities for classroom settings.
This event was made possible through the generous support of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.

TLC linguist continues work on Apache materials, featured on podcast

COVID restrictions have required creative approaches to continuing language revitalization. As entering the Apache reservation has been prohibited, TLC linguist Willem de Reuse has converted his apartment into a TLC field office to continue working with a committed group of people. Apache speakers Bob Stevens and Joyce Johnson have been meeting (and social distancing) with De Reuse off-reservation to continue their recording work. The Apache language recordings will help to develop future Apache materials, including a CD to accompany the forthcoming Apache textbook and a Vocab Builder app.
Also, De Reuse has been recorded himself on the Field Notes podcast. On the podcast, De Reuse discusses his work with Apache, Navajo, Lakota, and many other languages. You can read more about his interview and listen to it here.

Product Spotlight

Apache Textbook Level 1

TLC linguists and Apache speakers have been working hard to produce Apache language materials. The first of these projects is an Apache level 1 textbook. This textbook will introduce new speakers to the basics of the Apache language. With illustrations and exercises throughout, this textbook will help students to retain Apache vocabulary, syntax, and grammar.

Moose Cree storybooks and Media Player app

The first project for the Moose Cree language has been completed with the release of two picture books and a Media Player app. Froggy and I Saw a Skunk! are great beginner books for new or young Moose Cree speakers. Each book introduces readers to vocabulary and basic sentence structure, with I Saw a Skunk! having a particular emphasis on prepositions. The Moose Cree Media Player app is a great companion to the picture books as it allows readers to hear the words in the books properly pronounced. An augmented reality feature in the app reveals bonus words when users hold their mobile device over the books' pages. The Ininew Friendship Centre will be hosting a release event where the books will be available. Details on the event are coming soon.

Wolastoquey picture books/media player released

TLC's first products in the Wolastoquey language are coming soon. Two picture books (I Saw a Skunk! and What Are They Doing?) are being produced as well as an accompanying Media Player app. These books are great for new or young Wolastoquey speakers. They will teach basic parts of speech like verbs and prepositions. The Media Player app will allow readers to follow along with the books to hear proper pronunciation. Augmented Reality features within the app will allow users to interact with the picture books using their device's camera. Contact Oromocto First Nation to get your copy of these books.

Upcoming Events

August 4-7/10-14 Stoney Nakoda Phonology Class, Textbook Review, Story Transcription

This month, TLC linguists will be working with Stoney Nakoda elders to review the Stoney Nakoda textbook. Additionally, the elders will be participating in a class to see the phonology system (the sound system of a language) being used for the Stoney Nakoda language. Each sound in the language will be represented by a letter or letter combination. The following week, TLC linguists will be working on Stoney Nakoda story transcription. This work will help to develop future Stoney Nakoda language materials.

August 3-14 Crow virtual recording event

Crow speakers are utilizing online meeting interfaces to meet with Crow Language Consortium linguists virtually. This will allow for ongoing work on the Crow Online Dictionary while still maintaining safety precautions for everyone. In August, TLC staff will be helping to set up a recording space for Crow speakers so that words can be recorded safely. These recordings will help to produce future Crow materials.

First-ever Crow Language Weekend scheduled for fall

Following the success of the Crow Summer Institute, many participants said they couldn't wait for the next Crow language event. The first-ever Crow Language Weekend will offer another opportunity for language learners to gather in a virtual classroom. This personal instruction gives students the chance to practice their speaking skills with instant feedback. Follow Crow Language Consortium on Facebook to stay up to date on registration details.

Fall Lakota Language Weekends

The response from our first virtual Lakota Summer Institute was overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees told us that they would love more virtual language events so that they could learn Lakota from the comfort of their homes. We heard this feedback and have responded by scheduling two more Lakota Language Weekends this fall. Details are forthcoming, but stay tuned to Lakota Language Consortium on Facebook to be notified when registration opens.

October 24-25 Cowlitz Language Weekend

The Cowlitz language revitalization represents an ambitious project. With no fluent native speakers, TLC linguists have used recordings made in 1967 and a dictionary published in 2004 to create new language resources. This virtual language weekend is the first Cowlitz language course offered by Cowlitz Indian Tribe in partnership with TLC. Basics of Cowlitz spelling, pronunciation, and syntax will be taught. Follow TLC on Facebook to stay up to date on registration details.

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