Language Apprentice: Bringing Back the Ho-Chunk Language | The Ways

Summary

Arlene Blackdeer, a Ho-Chunk language apprentice, shares her journey of language revitalization through the Ho-Chunk Master/Apprentice Program, which aims to create younger speakers. She works closely with Waxopinisgaiga, learning the traditions and stories passed down by elders. The program has seen success with immersion daycare, sparking a new generation of speakers. Arlene emphasizes the importance of community involvement in language and culture to ensure their survival, urging Native communities to engage actively to prevent the loss of their heritage.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Arlene Blackdeer feels supported by her ancestors as she drives to work, indicating a strong cultural connection.
• 🌱 Arlene is a Ho-Chunk language apprentice, highlighting the importance of language preservation.
• 👵 The Ho-Chunk Master/Apprentice Program aims to create younger speakers who will continue to teach the language and culture.
• 🏡 Waxopinisgaiga, or Aurelia Hopinkah, was raised by her grandparents to learn and pass on traditional knowledge.
• 🗣️ Arlene and Waxopinisgaiga work together closely, emphasizing the apprenticeship's immersive nature.
• 📚 The apprenticeship involves learning the reasons behind cultural practices and stories, not just the language itself.
• 🌐 The elders' belief that the death of their language would mean the end of their world is a powerful statement about cultural identity.
• 👶 The immersion daycare is seen as a successful initiative for fostering new speakers of the Ho-Chunk language.
• 🎓 Arlene sees the high school students as potential future apprentices, showing a focus on youth involvement.
• 🏘️ Community engagement through family fun nights is a strategy to raise awareness about the language revitalization efforts.
• 🌟 The ultimate goal is to revitalize the Ho-Chunk language within communities, workplaces, and family events.

Q & A

Who is Arlene Blackdeer?

Arlene Blackdeer is a Ho-Chunk language apprentice.

What is the purpose of the Ho-Chunk Master/Apprentice Program?

The program is designed to create younger speakers who will continue to teach the language and culture.

Who does Arlene Blackdeer work with in her apprenticeship?

Arlene Blackdeer works with Waxopinisgaiga, also known as Aurelia Hopinkah.

What was Aurelia Hopinkah's upbringing like?

Aurelia Hopinkah grew up in the Dells area and was raised by her parents and grandparents, who taught her the knowledge and traditions of the elders.

How does Arlene Blackdeer describe her apprenticeship experience?

Arlene Blackdeer describes her apprenticeship as spending a lot of time together with her mentor, learning everything she knows, and understanding the reasons behind their traditions and stories.

What does Arlene Blackdeer believe will happen if the Ho-Chunk language dies?

Arlene Blackdeer believes that if the Ho-Chunk language dies, it will be the end of their world.

How does Arlene Blackdeer feel about her role in preserving the language?

Arlene Blackdeer feels that preserving the language is a way to show respect for her elders and their experiences, and she believes it's the least she can do for them.

What has been the impact of the immersion daycare on language learning?

The immersion daycare has been successful in producing speakers and has shown positive results in language learning.

What is the goal of the language division's efforts in the community?

The goal is to bring back the Ho-Chunk language to the communities, workplace, family events, and revitalize it.

How does Arlene Blackdeer suggest Native communities get involved in language preservation?

Arlene Blackdeer encourages Native communities to get involved in their language and culture, as it defines their identity as individuals and communities.

What is the current state of the Ho-Chunk language in schools according to Arlene Blackdeer?

Arlene Blackdeer notes that while there is some progress in language education, it is still too early to see significant changes in 4K or high schools.