Our catch phrase is on its way.

Dear Fellow Earthlings,

Today when I phoned an office of the Seneca Nation in (or near?) Irving, New York, I talked with a nice Seneca gentleman named Clarence (his English name). I couldn’t quite catch what he said over the phone, but his Seneca name is Daoje or perhaps Naoje, with the accent on the second syllable. Daoje (Naoje) – or Clarence -- was a bit reserved but communicated well with me. Perhaps it was because I used a different approach with him. Rather than saying I want to help the Seneca people, I explained to him that I wish to learn the Seneca language because I am very much in love with Seneca culture. He understood my feeling. A European thinker might feel skeptical hearing that I love kerm (“his or her” – See Installment 95.) language – and be somewhat suspicious. But Clarence was able to gauge my true, deepest feelings immediately upon hearing my words. He said Nya weh(?), which he explained means “I am thankful.” I felt goose bumps – and asked him quite candidly: “Do you speak Seneca fluently?” His answer sent another shiver up and down my spine: “For many years I have been trying to…” That, to me, is one of the most moving answers I have ever heard! Daoje (Naoje) – Clarence – explained to me that Andrea Cooke, the person I need to speak with about studying the Seneca language, will be available from 8 a.m. on Monday. I look forward to phoning Andrea and speaking with her – and I hope to again speak with Clarence! I as of yet know nothing of the community phonome for Seneca, but I do know that it is a thing of beauty and must be preserved. As I watched the sun set on my last day in Oregon, I thought how the Seneca people are already under the night skies of western New York! May they sleep well and awaken to a wonderful day tomorrow!

Steve Walker, Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.