Getting to know each other on our first day

It's hard to believe that we have only been together about two weeks! This game was the first time the students tried to learn each others' names. When the blanket came down, the first person to yell out the name of the SYLAPer behind it - got a point for their team.

Now, I bet we can't even imagine not knowing each other!

From the Reservation to the University...

SYLAPers -

For two weeks now, you have been taking a college Shoshone language course; you have been living in the dorms; you have been working at a university research center; you have met with recruitment representatives.

How has your view of going to college been affected so far? How do you feel, at this point, about going to college after high school?

30 second blog

this day was really really long i can't believe it's already almost friday. this program is going to fly by.
-samuel

DESCRIBING WHY I WANT TO BE HERE!

I WANNA BE ABLE TO HOLD AN CONVERSATION WITH THE ELDERS OF MY TRIBE AND ALSO TO INFLUENCES OTHERS TO TRY TO LEARNING OUR NATIVE LANGUAGES. ITS AN INTRESTING TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SAYING TO YOU IT COULD MAKE YOU ALOT CLOSER NOT ONLY YOUR GRANDPARENTS OR ELDERS BUT TO YOUR HERRTIAGE TOO SO YOU DON'T EVER FORGET WHO YOU ARE? AND WHERE YOU CAME FROM ITS YOUR IDENTITY!!!

Why are we here?

The same questions are being asked over and over. Why are you going to the U of U for the summer? Why aren't you spending your graduated summer at home partying, or hanging out, or just to be with certain people for a potential last time? There are many oppurtunities being offered on a platter, however this is a once in a life-time oppurtunity. We had a test in the class. Our first one and we had the question asked by the very people here. Why is learning Shoshone important to you?? This was my answer.
I feel the preservaton of the lanuage is important beacause it's a HUGE part of the Shoshone culture. I mean sure without the language you can still have A culture but it would only be minute. Also, not only will we feel more fulfilled as Native People but we will make our older generations happy for not 'just ignoring the fact we don't, and didn't, learn the language.' We will be able to carry the language on for future generations, thus picking up the slack of the "typical lazy native."

Why learn your tribal language?

Hey guys! Please post your answers to this question from your work in language class.

Why is knowing your Tribal language important? How will it benefit you in your life as a Native person?

Picture of the Group

Here's our group standing in front of CAIL. Currently we are adding sound files to our talking dictionary that we recorded from speakers last week. More to come soon!

Quotes on Language

Gwlad heb iaith, gwlad heb galon
Land without a language, land without a heart.
-Welsh saying

Language is not neutral. It is not merely a vehicle which carries ideas. It is itself a shaper of ideas.
-Dale Spender

I believe that words can help us move or keep us paralyzed, and that our choices of language and verbal tone have something - a great deal - to do with how we live our lives.
-Adrienne Rich

Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind.
-Rudyard Kipling

Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realize. Your words are the greatest power you have. The words you choose and use establish the life you experience.
-Croquette Sonia

Be proud of your native language - own it, give it life, grasp it, and within you it will breathe forever.

-Jackie

thanks for commin Forest! . . .and we visited a frog exibit today it was kuu! haha

"no word gets left behind" i quote Garrett Malotte! My partner in crime. hahahaha

Forrest is an awesome guy, he talked to us about somethings that i really didn't think at before. It makes me appreciate who I am and why I am here. I am proud that he came...thank you

HELLO

HEY EVERYONE I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS APPRENTICESHIP HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ITS HAS BEEN 5 DAYS NOW AND ITS NOT EASY TO PICK UP WORDS BUT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LEARN IT!! SO FAR I LIKE IT THE FACT THAT IM LEARNING THE LANGUAGE ITS REALLY COOL IM GLAD THAT IM HERE THANKS FOR PICKING ME IT WAS FUN TODDAY!!! I WILL POST SOMETHING TOMARROW!!! BYE FOR NOW BLOGGERS 

Almost Time!

Aisen tsaa memme piamanee memmin newe taikwappeha taikwasuante!

Anticipation!!!

It's the day before the students arrive and I am overflowing with excitement, curiosity, and anticipation to meet our SYLAP participants. We have so much planned for this summer! It's going to be truly amazing.

I was so overwhelmed with the interest this program got. It's so encouraging to know that our 10 participants are excited about learning Shoshone and working to save their ancestral language. I know this is an outstanding group of young people. I know they are going to make an impact on the University, CAIL, each other, and their communities back home.

We have a lot of work to do, but we're are already half way there just having this group of enthusiastic apprentices. They are special! YOU ARE SO SPECIAL! I know that sounds cheezy, but whatever! Get used to it! I'm going to be a cheezy camp counselor all summer (ha ha).

Welcome to the 2009 SYLAP Participants!