Our catch phrase is on its way.
Dear Fellow Earthlings,
Here we have the second half of a preliminary set of instructions I have for “Lady 9-14”. As I mentioned in Installment 114 (sent out yesterday Sep. 20, 2013), It “IS preliminary and subject to her feedback.”
” Proposal for Saving the Seneca Language (continued from Installment 114)
5 years of age until the onset of adolescence (continuation)
From the age of 8 the children will have a transitional year, half English/half Seneca with facilitators. The children must eat lots of wild fish (either ocean or river -- and monitored for any pollutants). This will ensure that their learning process proceeds more rapidly and smoothly. From the age of 9 the children must spend half of their time in a Seneca speaking/listening/learning environment and half in an English speaking/listening/learning one. Facilitators should be ready to help only children who seem to be having difficulties learning – be it Seneca, English, manners, arithmetic, or anything else. Students who are doing particularly well will be required to help classmates who need it. This will be done in the spirit of Seneca giving – with no boasting, belittling, scolding, or mocking. After a child turns ten years of age kee (meaning “he” or “she”) should spend 80% of kerm (“his” or “her”) time in a Seneca language milieu (including mentoring 0-5 year-olds) – and only 20% in an English language one.
adolescence (menstruation for girls, facial hair for boys)
When the students become adolescents – and until graduating from high school – Monday and Thursday are to be “All-Seneca days”, while Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will be “All-English days” – and, if possible, spent with non-Seneca people. If -- for any reason—a Seneca adolescent’s English is lacking, Steve Walker and/or designated, qualified Senecas will be ready to help. Steve Walker would help primarily using Skype – but hopes to be able to visit the Seneca Nation from time to time in order to help in person. Seneca youth (and indeed, adults and Elders as well!) will be encouraged to do Seneca projects: mentoring, sports, arts, music, costume making, and familiarizing themselves with other Amerindian languages, such as Cayuga.
after high school
All sorts of official and unofficial ways to help the Seneca language, culture, and people survive and prosper should be utilized with enthusiasm and love!
I await your feedback!
Thank you, Steve Walker “
Readers, let’s hope that I can help the Seneca people realize their dream of preserving their language as a native tongue!
Steve Walker, Earthsaver and Jingles Creator
© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.