kwu_sqwa?qwa?alx (We begin to speak): Our Journey within Nsyilxcn (Okanagan) Language Revitalization

Authors

  • Michele K. Johnson (S?imla?xw)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/cjne.v35i1.196545

Abstract

Way', iskwist S?imla?xw, ut kn_Syilx. I am an nsyilxcn language learner and teacher,living in Penticton, BC. I am Syilx. In this paper, I take the role ofXox?mal (Fly), andshare with you my caM, my role and responsibility, in revitalizing nsyilxcn. I am partof a small intermediate adult language cohort working to become proficient in nqilxwcn(also referred to as nsyilxcn), and simultaneously developing a sqolxwcawt (a way ofbeing, as s qilxw adult learners) for other adult learners to follow. As adult learners, oursqolxwcawt includes a role and responsibility to embrace successful language acquisitionmethods and to re-integrate our learning back into our homes and communities. Mylanguage cohort and I are building a lived-pedagogy based on a solid triadic foundationof intensive curricular study, conversation with Elders, and immersion amongst our­selves, as learners. Our language study is grounded in community as well as cutting-edge second-language acquisition techniques developed by the Paul Creek LanguageAssociation. This paper introduces Paul Creek curriculum, nsyilxcn language acquisi­tion and revitalization concepts, and current initiatives in nsyilxcn adult languagelearning, including an adult immersion house in which I and my cohort lived for fivemonths in 2011.1 share dreams of a future that includes advanced proficiency for learn­ers and nsyilxcn's reintroduction to public and university domains.

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Published

2021-12-10

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Section

Articles