Mohawk

[Blackbear]

--for discussing Mohawk language

[WarriorBadge]

Msagentdesign [1:10 AM]: First matter of Business
Onkwehonwehneha [1:10 AM]: Ohen:ton Kariwentehkwen
Msagentdesign [1:10 AM]: Everyone Listen for a short time everyone
Onkwehonwehneha [1:10 AM]: Sewatahonhsi:iost Ken'Nikarihwesh Sewakwe:kon
Msagentdesign [1:10 AM]: to him we are grateful to the one who made us
Onkwehonwehneha [1:10 AM]: Ne Kati Tenshitewanonhwera:ton Ne Shonkweia'tison Newahi
Msagentdesign [1:10 AM]: he made everything that whatever is about in all the world
Onkwehonwehneha [1:10 AM]: Rohsa nion Akwe:kon Tsi Naho:ten Teiotawen:ier Ne Tsi Iontsa:te
Msagentdesign [1:10 AM]: and now
Onkwehonwehneha [1:10 AM]: Right now? tahnon is a Kanienkehaka word or phrase meaning- And
Msagentdesign [1:11 AM]: we offer our greetings to all the people
Onkwehonwehneha [1:11 AM]: Steiethinonhwera:ton Ne Onkwe'Shon:a
Msagentdesign [1:11 AM]: we offer our greetings to our mother the earth
Onkwehonwehneha [1:11 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton Ne Ietsinihste'N:ha Tsi Iohontsa:te
Msagentdesign [1:11 AM]: we offer our greetings to the waters
Onkwehonwehneha [1:11 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton Ne Tsi Kahnekaronnion
Msagentdesign [1:11 AM]: we offer our greetings to the fish life
Onkwehonwehneha [1:11 AM]: Teietinonhwera:ton Ne Kentsonshon:a'
Msagentdesign [1:12 AM]: and this is the way it will be in our minds
Onkwehonwehneha [1:12 AM]: Tho Kati Neniohto'nhake Ne Onkwanikon:ra
Msagentdesign [1:12 AM]: and now also
Onkwehonwehneha [1:12 AM]: Tanon Ne O:nen O'ni
Msagentdesign [1:12 AM]: we offer our greetings to the root life
Onkwehonwehneha [1:12 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton Ne Ohtehra'Shon:a'
Msagentdesign [1:12 AM]: we offer our greetings to the plant life
Onkwehonwehneha [1:12 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton Ne Ohonte'Shon:a'
Msagentdesign [1:22 AM]: we offer our greetings to the medicines
Onkwehonwehneha [1:22 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne nonhkwa'shon:a
Msagentdesign [1:22 AM]: we offer our greetings to the insect life
Onkwehonwehneha [1:22 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne otsinonwa'shon:a
Msagentdesign [1:23 AM]: we offer our greetings to the differant foods
Onkwehonwehneha [1:23 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne tionhehkwen
Msagentdesign [1:23 AM]: we offer our greetings to the fruits and berries
Onkwehonwehneha [1:23 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne kahihshon:a
Msagentdesign [1:23 AM]: and that is how it will be in our minds
Onkwehonwehneha [1:23 AM]: Tho kati neniohto'nhake ne onkwanikon:ra
Msagentdesign [1:23 AM]: we offer our greetins to the animals
Onkwehonwehneha [1:23 AM]: By "we" do you mean you and me?
Msagentdesign [1:23 AM]: we offer our greetings to all the bird life
Onkwehonwehneha [1:23 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne otsi'ten'okon:a'
Msagentdesign [1:23 AM]: we offer our greetings to the trees and saplings
Onkwehonwehneha [1:23 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne karonta'shon:a' tanon okwire'shon:a'
Msagentdesign [1:24 AM]: we offer our greetings to the four winds
Onkwehonwehneha [1:24 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne kaie:ri nikawera:ke
Msagentdesign [1:24 AM]: and that is the way it will be in our minds
Onkwehonwehneha [1:24 AM]: Tho kati nenioto'nhake ne onkwanikon:ra
Msagentdesign [1:24 AM]: we offer our thanks to the thunder
Onkwehonwehneha [1:24 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton iethiso'tho:ken ratiwe:rahs
Msagentdesign [1:24 AM]: we offer greetings to our grandmother the moon
Onkwehonwehneha [1:24 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne ietsi:'sotha ashonthenkha karahkwa
Msagentdesign [1:24 AM]: we offer our greetings to our elder brother the sun
Onkwehonwehneha [1:24 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne shonkwantsi'a karahkwa
Msagentdesign [1:24 AM]: we offer our greetings to all the stars
Onkwehonwehneha [1:24 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne tsi iotsistohkwaronnion
Msagentdesign [1:25 AM]: we offer our greetings to the creator
Onkwehonwehneha [1:25 AM]: By "we" do you mean you and me?
Msagentdesign [1:25 AM]: we offer our greetings to the creator
Onkwehonwehneha [1:25 AM]: Teiethinonhwera:ton ne shonkwaia'tison
Msagentdesign [1:26 AM]: that is all
Onkwehonwehneha [1:26 AM]: Etho
Msagentdesign [1:28 AM]: so i say thank you
Onkwehonwehneha [1:28 AM]: Ah Uh
Msagentdesign [1:28 AM]: Ne k'ati nia:wen

[bearcat]

Mohawk –
http://www.ohwejagehka.com/moh-body1.htm

Mohawk –
Kanienkehaka Language Homepage -
http://www.kahonwes.com/language/kanienkehaka.html

[Blackbear]

FROM: CANADA NEWS WIRE TELBEC WEBSITE
_http://www.cnw.<WBR>ca/en/releases/<WBR>archive/July2006<WBR>/25/c9034.<WBR>html_ (http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/July2006/25/c9034.html_)
(http://www.cnw.<WBR>ca/en/releases/<WBR>archive/July2006<WBR>/25/c9034.<WBR>html (http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/archive/July2006/25/c9034.html))
Attention News/Assignment Editors:
Media Advisory - Launching of unique website in Kanesatake
KANESATAKE, July 25 /CNW Telbec/ - The Mohawk Language Custodian

Association invite the media to the launching of a unique web tool creating

bridges between Mohawk, English and French languages. This website will

facilitate language learning and enriched the culture, linking both people on

and off the territory of Kanesatake. The event will take place in the presence

of Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake, Steven Bonspille.

<<

Date : Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Time : 1:30 pm

Place : Rotiwenekèhte School (Language and Cultural Center)

407, St-Michel (Ste-Philomène)

Kanesatake

>>

For further information: Hilda Nicholas, Mohawk Language Custodian

Association, (450) 479-1651; Source : Eric Cardinal, Cardinal Communication,

(450) 638-5159, Cellular : (514) 258-2315

MOHAWK LANGUAGE CUSTODIAN ASSOCIATION - More on this organization _
News Releases_ (http://www.cnw.<WBR>ca/en/releases/<WBR>orgDisplay.<WBR>cgi?okey=<WBR>79510 (http://www.cnw.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=79510))
(1) _
Photo Archive_ (http://photos.<WBR>newswire.<WBR>ca/ (http://photos.newswire.ca/))

[Blackbear]

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This Message Is Reprinted Under The FAIR USE
Doctrine Of International Copyright Law:
_http://www4.<WBR>law.cornell.<WBR>edu/uscode/<WBR>17/107.html_ (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html_)
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************<WBR>*********<WBR>*********<WBR>*********<WBR>*********<WBR>*********<WBR>*********<WBR>**

FROM: THE TORONTO STAR NEWSPAPER

_http://www.thestar.<WBR>com/NASApp/<WBR>cs/ContentServer<WBR>?pagename=<WBR>thestar/Layout/<WBR>Articl (http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Articl)
e_Type1&c=Article&<WBR>cid=115412341730<WBR>9&call_pageid=<WBR>1012319932217&<WBR>col=101231992892
8_
(http://www.thestar.<WBR>com/NASApp/<WBR>cs/ContentServer<WBR>?pagename=<WBR>thestar/Layout/<WBR>Article_Type1&<WBR>c=Article&<WBR>cid=115412341730<WBR>9&call_pageid=<WBR>1012319932217&<WBR>col=101231992 (http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1154123417309&call_pageid=1012319932217&col=101231992)
8928)

Keeping A Native Language Alive

Computer software seen as key to increasing the number of Mohawk speakers
Immersion programs featured at Kahnawake Reserve, writes Robert J. Galbraith

Jul. 29, 2006. 11:37 AM
ROBERT J. GALBRAITH
SPECIAL TO THE STAR

MONTREAL—The Kahnawake Reserve near here is home to 8,000 Mohawks, but only
about 1,000 of them can speak their native language.
To correct that, the community recently launched a computer software program
it hopes will help revive the Mohawk language and encourage residents to get
more in touch with their ancient culture and its teachings.
This is the first program to be initiated under the Rosetta Stone Endangered
Languages Program, with similar software now being developed for the
Seminole of the southern United States and the Inuit of the far north. Rosetta Stone
software is currently being used to teach millions of users 30 major
languages in more than 150 countries.
"Language defines nationhood. It shapes and forms your whole world of who
you are. It's part of everything we are as a people," says Donna Goodleaf, a PhD
in education and the executive director of Kahnawake's Cultural Centre.
"Part of our agenda as a cultural centre is to develop and implement
language programs for the people of the community," she says.
The computer program will supplement a variety of other language training
elements that are already in place in Kahnawake, including adult language
enrichment classes, language immersion "nests" for preschool-age children and a
cable access program for family members of all ages. They are all aimed at
expanding the number of fluent Mohawk speakers.
The software immerses the user into the language he or she is trying to
learn, through its dynamic immersion method. Words and phrases spoken by people
from the community are matched with pictures of familiar places and faces.
There are several options to choose from, and through the process of elimination,
the user will pick the appropriate picture to match the words. Where other
language software packages teach by translation, immersion ensures that
language meaning is not lost, as it never equates indigenous words with English
words.
Word of the program has sparked great interest in native communities across
North America.
"We have received calls from the Six Nations, the Sak and Fox Nations of
Oklahoma, the Navaho of Arizona, the Squamish of British Columbia, the Seminoles
of Florida, the Inuit and the Ojibwa in Ontario," Goodleaf says. "They all
want to know how it is working out."
The Kahnawake band council, under the leadership of Grand Chief Michael
Delisle, wholly endorses the learning program. Not only is the program being used
in schools and private homes, but by Sept. 1, the council will require
Kahnawake's 900 public servants to enrol in Mohawk language lessons. This includes
social workers, teachers, medical workers, firefighters, peacekeepers and
infrastructure employees.
"There's a fine line on our public employees in learning Mohawk. We're not
going to throw people out," Delisle says. "We're not trying to force
businesses to conform immediately. We're not saying your job is being threatened if
you don't learn our language, but people with language skills will definitely
be an asset when it comes to hiring. There is no real timeline (for language
enforcement) but this is transitional. If we don't see the necessary results,
we will have to be stricter."

____________<WBR>_________<WBR>_________<WBR>______
`Language defines nationhood. It shapes and forms your whole world of who
you are'
Donna Goodleaf, Kahnawake Reserve

____________<WBR>_________<WBR>_________<WBR>______
"I don't foresee any problems," Delisle says. "For doctors and nurses it may
be tough because of their workload, but we will eventually have to serve our
community in their own language. We are hoping the civil servants bring the
initiative home."
According to the grand chief, "in 1998 the elders told us that language is
where our culture is based, and when we die off, our language will die with
us. So, that year they put forward a declaration calling for its preservation,<WBR>"
Delisle says. "With this in mind, in 1999 the band council passed a law
making Mohawk the reserve's official language.
"We didn't want to do what Bill 101 (the Quebec language law) did and scare
people off. We said, `let's look at a transition program and develop a
plan.'"
Delisle's goal is to have 30 per cent of Kahnawake's public employees fluent
in Mohawk in five years, 60 per cent in 10 years and 80 per cent in 15
years.
"Our younger people are getting Mohawk cultural and language education at
the two immersion schools and at the Survival School, located in the village.
All subjects are taught in Mohawk there, but it is the middle generation, those
of the 30 to 60 years group we are most hopeful of attracting. A lot of
these people went through the residential school experience. They were not
allowed to speak their native Mohawk tongue while incarcerated in these
institutions and many lost that ability. They will get the most impact from it."
Delisle says Mohawk language and culture began its modern decline in the
1950s, largely due to the overwhelming English media and pop culture, then by
the French language and political changes.
"Theirs (the English culture) is a dominant language and culture in Canada,
especially with MTV, radio and television. To some of our youth, it's not
sexy to know Mohawk; it's sexy to know hip-hop," he says.
The idea for the language revitalization drive came three years ago, when
then-Kahnawake grand chief Joe Norton sent letters to 40 businesses in the
online gaming industry, asking for cash contributions to be aimed at ways to
regenerate interest in learning the language.
There was only one response. That came from John Moshal, a Jew who lives in
Durban, South Africa. Moshal is the president of Microgaming Inc., the
world's largest online gaming software developer.
Moshal saw similarities between the situation with the Mohawk language and
Hebrew's revival, so he contributed $250,000 over a five-year period to find a
way to preserve the language.
The Mohawk used the money to hire Fairfield Technologies of Virginia to
develop the Rosetta Stone software program for the Mohawk dialect. Two months
ago, the first 1,000 CD-ROMs were delivered to the reserve. They feature four
local Mohawk speakers, and numerous Kahnawake landmarks and familiar faces,
making it a truly home version for the people of Kahnawake.
The struggle to preserve a language is not solely a Mohawk problem. Of the
world's 6,000 spoken languages, 50 per cent are endangered, and an average of
one language disappears every two weeks, according to a UNESCO study of the
present state of the world's languages.
"The struggle with preserving language is not inherent to Kahnawake or other
nations exclusively,<WBR>" Delisle says. "My hope is that there will be in the
near coming years, a national affiliation of Mohawk speakers across the nation.
There is a lot at stake, but we are not going to disappear."