Post by Okwes on Mar 27, 2007 15:02:35 GMT -5
Reviving American Indian language a full-time, paying job
ONEIDA, N.Y. For a handful of students in central New York, reviving an American Indian language is a full-time job.
Eight people are being paid to spend 40 hours a week learning their native Oneida language. It's part of an effort to eventually have all 1,200 members of the Oneida Indian Nation speak the language fluently.
Students in the two-year program are paid to learn the language and pass it on to their family and friends. The program is only open to Nation members.
Instructor Sheri Beglen says the Oneida alphabet is made up of eight consonants and six vowels.
Beglen is hoping to eventually get at least 30 teachers so the language can be taught with several classes.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
ONEIDA, N.Y. For a handful of students in central New York, reviving an American Indian language is a full-time job.
Eight people are being paid to spend 40 hours a week learning their native Oneida language. It's part of an effort to eventually have all 1,200 members of the Oneida Indian Nation speak the language fluently.
Students in the two-year program are paid to learn the language and pass it on to their family and friends. The program is only open to Nation members.
Instructor Sheri Beglen says the Oneida alphabet is made up of eight consonants and six vowels.
Beglen is hoping to eventually get at least 30 teachers so the language can be taught with several classes.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.