kwu_sqwa?qwa?alx (We begin to speak): Our Journey within Nsyilxcn (Okanagan) Language Revitalization
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.14288/cjne.v35i1.196545Résumé
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.