Aboriginal Languages Reclaimed By Native Gen Y (fwd link)

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Aboriginal Languages Reclaimed By Native Gen Y

*The Huffington Post B.C.*  |  By Jesse
Ferreras<http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jesse-ferreras>


Posted: 11/30/2012 5:27 am EST Updated: 11/30/2012 12:20 pm EST

The Nuxalk word for "rock" is spoken the way it sounds, like feet dragging
over a rocky riverbed. When Clyde Tallio says it, he has to conjure saliva
from the back of his throat and splash it against the back of his teeth to
make it sound right. The word seems impossible to spell out in English.

"Our language is formed because of the environment we live in," Tallio
explains. "The English language doesn't reflect that environment and it
doesn't reflect the teachings and the spirituality of the land."

That the 25-year-old from Bella Coola, B.C. can pronounce the word at all
is impressive enough, but what's even more impressive is that the word is
being spoken at all.

Tallio is part of a movement of young aboriginals who are working to save
their traditional tongues, fighting a tide that threatens to kill the
languages off for good.

Access full article below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/30/aboriginal-language-native-gen-y-bc-millenial_n_2019250.html
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