Students, faculty learn to speak the Lakota language (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Students, faculty learn to speak the Lakota language
Course seen as way to save endangered languages

By Molly Marcot
Sunday, March 13, 2011

 A lack of a Native American studies program at this university hasn't
stopped some students from learning the Lakota language.

"Learn how to spit out a loogie," William Underbaggage told students
yesterday afternoon, describing how to pronounce "tunkashila" — or
grandfather — in the proper guttural method.

A group of about a half-dozen students and faculty members gathered in
the Armory as the fifth of 10 lessons on Lakota language and culture
from Underbaggage, a member of the South Dakota-based Native American
nation.

"It's more about learning words and customs and philosophies and
culture," said Xenia Strunnikova, a senior finance major who attended
yesterday's class. "It's not about being fluent in the language; it's
about understanding."

Access full article below:
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/students-faculty-learn-to-speak-the-lakota-language-1.2106242