Revitalizing an Endangered Alaska Native Language: A Journey to Preserve Alutiiq
A Collaborative Effort to Reclaim Linguistic Heritage
In the heart of Kodiak Island, Alaska, a beacon of hope shines for the Alutiiq language, an endangered Alaska Native tongue. A comprehensive Alutiiq language textbook, a collaborative effort between the Sun’aq Tribe and the Alutiiq Museum, has been released, aiming to revitalize and preserve this precious cultural heritage.
The Alutiiq language, also known as Sugpiaq, holds immense significance for the Alutiiq people, indigenous to the Kodiak Archipelago and the southern coast of Alaska. With two primary dialects—Koniag Alutiiq and Chugach Alutiiq—this language embodies a unique cultural identity and worldview.
The Alutiiq Language: A Tale of Two Dialects
The Alutiiq 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 newly released textbook focuses on the Koniag dialect, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to learn and preserve this endangered language.
Dehrich Chya’s Language Journey: From Novice to Advanced Speaker
Dehrich Chya, Alutiiq Language and Living Culture Manager at the Alutiiq Museum, played a pivotal role in co-authoring the textbook. His personal language journey exemplifies the challenges and rewards of learning an endangered language. Growing up with limited exposure to Alutiiq, he embarked on a dedicated path to language acquisition, becoming an advanced speaker while still considering himself a language learner.
Chya recognizes the significance of the new textbook, in conjunction with online resources, in revitalizing Alutiiq but acknowledges the hurdles learners face in achieving fluency. “Finding time and companions who are also learning the language can be challenging,” he says, highlighting the need for more speaker-teachers to guide and support aspiring Alutiiq learners.
The Alutiiq Master-Apprentice Program: Nurturing Speaker-Teachers
In response to the need for more fluent speaker-teachers, the Sun’aq Tribe initiated the Alutiiq Master-Apprentice Program over two years ago. The program aims to train at least five fluent speaker-teachers, ensuring the continuation of Alutiiq language instruction and the preservation of cultural knowledge.
Peggy Azuyak: A Beacon of Alutiiq Language Instruction
Peggy Azuyak, a dedicated Alutiiq language instructor, has embraced the new textbook in her Alutiiq 102 class at Kodiak College. She highlights the improved accessibility and ease of use compared to previous resources. “This textbook is a game-changer for Alutiiq language learning,” she says.
Distributing the Textbook: Expanding Access to Alutiiq Learning
The Sun’aq Tribe plans to distribute hard copies of the textbook to schools across Kodiak Island once they are printed. Additionally, the textbook is available online, granting anyone with an internet connection the opportunity to learn Alutiiq.
Gratitude and Recognition for Collaborative Efforts
Dehrich Chya expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in the creation of the textbook, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to preserving Alutiiq. He specifically mentioned Peggy Arnangcuk Azuyak, Michael Nanit’sqaq Bach, Candace Cutmen Branson, Alisha Agisaq Drabek, and Tonya Iwa’ista Heitman for their dedication and expertise.
Conclusion: A Glimmer of Hope for Alutiiq’s Revival
The release of the Alutiiq language textbook marks a significant milestone in the revitalization efforts of an endangered language. Through the collaboration of the Sun’aq Tribe, the Alutiiq Museum, and dedicated individuals like Dehrich Chya and Peggy Azuyak, the Alutiiq language has a renewed chance at survival.
The textbook provides a valuable resource for learners of all levels, fostering a sense of cultural pride and connection among the Alutiiq people. While challenges remain, the textbook represents a beacon of hope in the journey to preserve and revitalize Alutiiq, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.