Mohawk language program launched (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Mohawk language program launched

Elisabeth Johns  /  Standard-Freeholder
Local News - Saturday, August 11, 2007 @ 08:00
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=648925&catname=Local%20News&classif=

A program to preserve the Mohawk language was launched Friday as a way to
keep the traditional native form of communication in tact.

The project, called, Let's Speak Mohawk Again, was lauded as a unique way to
preserve Mohawk history and encourage current generations to speak their
mother tongue.

The Kanien'keha (Mohawk) Language Centre was opened thanks to two grants, a
$100,000 grant from the Akwesasne Community Fund and $75,000 grant from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The money is going towards purchasing new computers and new software
technology which will help to teach the language to children within the
Akwesasne Mohawk School Board and adults at the learning centre. It will
also help to fund the staff and translators who will implement the
software.

"Our language is the very key to our survival," said Karen Mitchell,
executive director of the Akwesasne Economic Development Agency. "It is
what makes us who we are today."

Akwesasne Grand Chief Tim Thompson agreed, adding that the language has been
lost over many generations.

He even admitted many of his own family members aren't fluent in Mohawk.

A demonstration of the technology showed beginner students could learn
simple words, like colours and the names of different animals by listening
to an audio recording.

They then can see the how the word is pronounced and attempt to recite the
word on their own. Their recitation is recorded and they can see whether or
not they pronounced the word correctly, Mitchell explained, adding that it
will be available for the Akwesasne school board this fall.

Classes are also available through the Mohawk Language Learning Centre.

The classes are $200 for six months. People can call 613-932-2923 for more
information.