Revitalizing an Endangered Alaska Native Language: The Alutiiq Language Textbook
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kodiak Island, Alaska, the Sun’aq Tribe and the Alutiiq Museum are leading a remarkable initiative to revitalize the endangered Alutiiq language. Their collaborative effort has culminated in the release of a comprehensive Alutiiq Language textbook, a beacon of hope for preserving and perpetuating this ancient tongue.
Alutiiq: A Linguistic Tapestry of Alaska
Alutiiq, also known as Sugpiaq, is an indigenous language spoken by the Alutiiq people, the original inhabitants of the Kodiak Archipelago and the southern coast of Alaska. This rich and diverse language is divided into two primary dialects: Koniag Alutiiq, spoken in Kodiak and the upper Alaska Peninsula, and Chugach Alutiiq, spoken on the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound.
The Genesis of the Alutiiq Language Textbook
The Alutiiq Language textbook, meticulously crafted over several years, represents a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Alutiiq language. This comprehensive resource is primarily focused on the Koniag dialect, although it extends an open invitation to anyone eager to embark on the journey of learning Alutiiq.
Dehrich Chya, the Alutiiq Museum’s Language and Living Culture Manager, stands as one of the co-authors of this groundbreaking textbook. His unwavering dedication to the preservation of the Alutiiq language shines through his words as he emphasizes the crucial role of Alutiiq speakers in the development of this invaluable resource.
“Whenever we’re producing any language materials, we make every effort to collaborate with language speakers who reside here in Kodiak,” Chya explains. “Regrettably, over the years, this task has become increasingly challenging due to the passing of fluent speakers.”
The Imperative Need for Language Preservation
In 2007, data compiled by the Alaska Native Language Center revealed a sobering reality: the population of Sugpiaq/Alutiiq people stood at 3,500, with a mere half a percent of that population possessing fluency in their ancestral tongue. This statistic, however, is fraught with complexities and uncertainties, stemming from the subjective determination of speaker fluency and the criteria for membership within the Sugpiaq/Alutiiq community at that time.
According to the Sun’aq Tribe, the current number of first-language Alutiiq speakers has dwindled to a mere 20 individuals. With the passing of each fluent speaker, an irreplaceable treasure trove of knowledge and cultural heritage is lost.
Challenges and Opportunities in Language Revitalization
The path to language revitalization is fraught with challenges, particularly for those aspiring to achieve fluency in Alutiiq. Dehrich Chya candidly acknowledges the inherent difficulty in finding opportunities to actively use the language with others.
“Language learning, for many individuals, is a deeply personal journey,” Chya observes. “Not everyone has the privilege of being surrounded by others who are engaged in the learning process at the same pace or at the same time.”
In light of this formidable challenge, the Sun’aq Tribe has taken proactive measures to address the urgent need for more speaker-teachers, individuals who can guide and nurture the next generation of Alutiiq language learners. The Alutiiq Master-Apprentice Program, initiated over two years ago, aims to train at least five fluent speaker-teachers, laying the foundation for a sustainable future for the Alutiiq language.
The Promise of the New Alutiiq Language Textbook
The Alutiiq Language textbook emerges as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for revitalizing this endangered language. Peggy Azuyak, an Alutiiq language instructor at Kodiak College and Old Harbor School, has firsthand experience with the transformative power of this new resource.
“Compared to the previous textbook, which dated back to the 1970s, the new one is significantly more user-friendly,” Azuyak remarks. “The old textbook, based on Dr. Jeff Leer’s dictionary and grammar books, wasn’t published until the 1990s.”
The Alutiiq Language textbook boasts 15 comprehensive chapters, meticulously crafted to cater to high school and college-aged learners. It delves into various aspects of the language, including numbers and mathematics, providing a solid foundation for further language acquisition.
Expanding the Reach of the Alutiiq Language
The Sun’aq Tribe is committed to ensuring that the Alutiiq Language textbook reaches far and wide, extending its impact beyond the confines of Kodiak Island. Plans are underway to distribute hard copies to all schools in the region once they are printed in the coming month. Additionally, the textbook is readily accessible online, offering a convenient and flexible learning platform for anyone with an internet connection.
A Collective Endeavor for Linguistic Preservation
The Alutiiq Language textbook is a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of numerous individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into this project. Dehrich Chya, with a profound sense of gratitude, acknowledges the contributions of Peggy Arnangcuk Azuyak, Michael Nanit’sqaq Bach, Candace Cutmen Branson, Alisha Agisaq Drabek, and Tonya Iwa’ista Heitman, whose expertise and passion have been instrumental in bringing this invaluable resource to fruition.
Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope for the Alutiiq Language
The Alutiiq Language textbook stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience and determination of the Alutiiq people in their quest to revitalize their ancestral language. This comprehensive resource, coupled with the ongoing efforts of the Sun’aq Tribe and the Alutiiq Museum, provides a pathway for future generations to reconnect with their linguistic heritage and ensure that the Alutiiq language continues to thrive for generations to come.