Our catch phrase is on its way.

Dear Fellow Earthlings,

The Seneca Nation’s youngest native speakers are already in their sixties. – NOT in their fifties, as I had previously learned! I found out about this only today. Also, I learned two more Seneca words today. However, until I receive permission from the Seneca Elders, I refrain from mentioning them. I am beginning to feel that the Seneca people have misgivings about outsiders who speak the Seneca language. No matter how much I love the Seneca language, I must first of all honor the wishes of those who speak it natively. The gentleman I spoke with over the phone today had an attitude different from that of the gentleman I spoke with on September 4, 2013 (Installment 101). The gentleman today made it quite clear to me that at least some of the Seneca do not welcome an outsider trying to learn their language. I explained to the gentleman that I will await the results of his meeting with the Elders. What I have asked him for is to obtain permission from the Elders for me to visit the Seneca Nation and spend 3 weeks learning its language and its ways. I have sent two photos of myself -- one taken only today in Japan, the other taken a couple of weeks ago in the Falkland Islands – so that the Elders and “Gentleman 9-10” (since I spoke to him on 9/10 in the year 2013) can see what I look like. Now I will just wait for Gentleman 9-10’s reply.

Steve Walker, Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

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