University of Victoria Courses

Summer Institute at the En'owkin Centre, Penticton, British Columbia

Language Revitalization Principles and Practices (LING 180, 3.0 units) May 26-June 7, 2008

An introduction to the profound cultural dynamics associated with language loss, along with contemporary issues, principles, and best practices in the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal Languages in Canada and around the world. This course explores the social, political, and psychological dynamics that impact Aboriginal languages, along with the factors influencing language maintenance, loss and revival. Instructor: Lehnhotonkwas/Bonnie Jane Maracle is from the Wolf Clan of the Kanien'keha:ka and was born, raised, and presently resides on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, which is one of eight communities comprising the Mohawk Nation.

Introductory Linguistics for Language Revitalization (LING 181, 1.5 units) June 9-14, 2008

An introduction to topics in the study of language and linguistics that provides a foundation for understanding language revitalization. Topics include the nature of sound systems and how they relate to orthographies, word structures and dictionaries, sentence structures and understanding texts, meaning and vocabulary, linguistic aspects of language acquisition, and historical change. The course will help develop understanding of the languages targeted for revitalization, and will provide exposure to linguistic concepts and reference materials. Instructor: Maxine Baptiste, BA, MA (linguistics), Head of Language Program s at the En'owkin Centre, Adjunct Professor, Aboriginal Education UBCO, and PhD candidate in language, reading and culture, University of Arizona, All But Dissertation (ABD).

Summer 2008 Courses at the University of Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC

Language Learning and Teaching in Situations of Language Loss (LING 182, 1.5 units) August 5-9, 2008

An analysis of principles of language learning and language acquisition in situations of language loss, and an examination of appropriate ways in which a range of formal and informal approaches to language teaching can be utilized in Aboriginal community settings. Course topics include forms of language acquisition, teaching and learning strategies, how strategies are related to community needs and goals, and the role of community and community members in teaching and learning. Instructor: Dr. Bernice Touchie, raised in a First Nation community, is an instructor and Principal for the Ucluelet First Nation. She has been involved with the coordination of language revitalization programs in British Columbia for the Ditidaht and Ucluelet First Nations and the Ha-Ho-Payak Society in Port Alberni, and has managed multi-tribal language revitalization for Nuu-chah-nuulth Tribal Council. She has researched indigenous languages and social development and has published on the Ditidaht (Nitinaht) language and on language learning for First Nations students.

Field Methods for Language Preservation and Revitalization (LING 183, 3.0 units) August 11-23, 2008

An examination of planning strategies, protocols, and methods of data collection, analysis, and organization appropriate for field activities associated with language preservation and revitalization. Students will focus on strategies for community involvement, project planning, protocols, ethical and intellectual property issues, use of technology in language documentation, techniques for language study with elders, interview and data recording methods, documentation and database management, and approaches to sharing information. Instructor: Dr. Strang Burton has been employed with the Stó:lō Nation language program for over 10 years. He worked with Stó:lō elders and other staff to help produce two textbooks on the Halq'emeylem language, one digital dictionary and a number of interactive CD-ROMs.

Participation Options

These classes are open to anyone interested in preserving aboriginal languages. You may register in all or a portion of the courses this summer to begin studies in the Certificate program, or take courses on an individual basis for credit or non-credit. For information about studying for credit and applying to the certificate program, please contact the Division of Continuing Studies, University of Victoria:

Register online at http://www.continuingstudies.uvic.ca/calr/register.aspx or call 250-721-6119 to have a registration form faxed to you.

From former students:

Two of our staff at the School attended the program. The program has been extremely beneficial not only for them but for all our staff in our region with whom they are sharing the information they gathered through taking this program.

The program has made a huge difference in my life! I feel the strength that comes with knowledge and I can now go home ... to promote revitalization in my community.

It has re-energized my thought and spirit ...