Hocąk Wazija Haci Language Division Initiates Master/Apprentice Program

Developing New Speakers
Hocąk Wazija Haci Language Division Initiates Master/Apprentice Program
Article from the Hocąk Worak, Covering the Ho-Chunk Nation, January 10, 2007

On January 5-6, 2007 the Hocąk Wazija Haci Language Division hosted a Master/Apprentice Training Program designed to assist both the teachers and the students in the one-on-one teaching of the language in an immersion atmosphere.  The Language Division started the program last July with five apprentices and recently selected five more people to learn the Ho-Chunk Language, working 32-40 hours a week with a Master Speaker.  All of the apprentices are under contract, part of a six-year obligation, during which they will be expected to learn and later teach the language.

 The apprentices selected met certain criteria established by the Language Division.  The Master/Apprentice Administrator, Henning Garvin stated that he is optimistic about the direction and future success of the program.  Noting that the number of people wanting to learn the language exceeded the Language Division’s current capacity to teach them, Garvin is confident that “because the interest is there,” the program will succeed.  Asked if some may criticize people getting paid to learn their language, he replied, “they aren’t getting paid to learn, they’re getting paid to save the language.”  There are currently nine Master Speakers and ten apprentices in the program.

 Trainers Crystal Richardson and L. Frank Manriquez, Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival (A.I.C.L.S.) travel throughout the country advocating methods that they believe will revitalize some of the endangered Native languages.  The believe that total immersion is the key to saving the languages but agree that doing so requires the teachers and students have to have the patience needed to clear many obstacles and meet many challenges.

 It is important, Richardson stressed, that the teachers be patient and understand “the learners are not at the same level I’m at,” while the learners need to get over the embarrassment of making mistakes.  “Patience, patience, patience,” Manriquez added, explaining that while at times the experience can be frustrating to both the speaker and the learner and both may want to speak English, it is important to resist the urge to do so.  “Immersion begins when you wake up in the morning,” Manriquez said.  Richardson added, “we need to learn how to listen, it is not a quick learn.”

 Manriquez explained the teaching and learning of the language needs to be natural, like a parent teaching a child.  “Leave English behind,” and learn that the words can instead be taught using what is around us physically.  All of the students have ears and eyes, Manriquez said, adding that by using Total Physical Response methods (TPR) and just what we can see, English can and must be avoided.  For example, she said, “If a student doesn’t know the word for cup, show them a cup and say that word.”

 Both stressed that when frustration sets in both the Master Speaker and the apprentice have to remember why they are doing it.  Though spending eight hours a day together in what could be termed “an unknown environment” can seem like a long time, it was emphasized that both the speaker and the learner need to search for opportunities that will allow them to do things together and seek topics of shared interest.  “Look at pictures or play games,” Manriquez said.  Richardson recalled that when she served as an apprentice, meeting at her speaker’s house, she was told to do everyday tasks in the Native language.  “I did the laundry, I have cooked,” she said.  “He never had such a clean house.”

 Aware that “it’s not going to happen overnight,” Manriquez is confident “that if you stay at it, immersion works.”  She also reminded everyone that, “we need to enjoy what we are doing.”

 To get all the teachers and students on the same page, the trainers provided the following

“RULES TO TEACH LANGUAGE”

·        Leave English behind.

·        Make yourself understood in non-verbal communications using objects around you or use TPR.

·        Use full sentences in conversation and understand it’s not a grammar lesson.

·        Aim for real communication in your Native language.

·        Remember that, “Language is a culture that keeps us strong.”

·        Focus on listening and speaking rather than writing and grammar.

·        Develop activities and everyday opportunities that the speaker and apprentice can do together.  Make sure there is not a “lull” in the conversation.

·        While taking notes is discouraged, learners should record the lessons, review the tapes and label them for future reference.

·        Be sensitive to each other’s needs.  Be patient and proud of each other and consider yourselves “part of the language family."

Master speakers attending were: Maxine Kohlner, Cecil Garvin, Lucille Roberts, Marie White Eagle, Lila Blackdeer, Lily Long Tail, Chloris Lowe, Sr., George Stacy and Donald Blackhawk.  Apprentices who started in July are Rita Kingswan, Shane Yellowthunder, Anna Carufel, Kjetil Garvin and Henning Garvin.  Recent apprentices include Robert Mann, Ken Littlegeorge Jr., Terry Snake, Gladys Morgan and Lisa Pesavento.

 The apprentices selected will have their progress monitored on a regular basis, beginning with a week devoted to TPR.  The Master Speakers will also be meeting regularly to discuss what is working best for them and share suggestions.

  Go Back for More Language Selections