From:"Cherokee language lessons" <botaylor@cherokeemuseum.org>
To:List Member <nlthomas@YvwiiUsdinvnohii.net>
Subject:Immersion
Date:Mon, 23 Jul 2001 16:44:28 -0400
Status:R
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Cherokee language lessons - http://www.cherokeemuseum.org

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Immersion

Over the past week, I have been meeting with a leader in the movement to
preserve the language of the Mohawk tribe and during that time I have learned
a tremendous amount about how to teach a language and I also learned some
valuable keys to learning languages. The key is total immersion and because
of logistics, it will be hard for us to do that, but what we want to do is
try to immerse ourselves as much as we can. 

Here are some tips that will help you learn:

    1.. Learn commands first- When we are first learning to talk we usually
learn words like stop, quit, leave that alone, get down, stand up, sit down
and etc. Think about how people talk to children or actually go and listen to
someone with a small child in the house.
    2.. You need to find a partner and practice with them- This is not
optional. Not only will you have someone who you can practice with but you
will also have a means of moral support. Try to incorporate your whole family
into this project. Even a small child will be an excellent partner, but if
you can find someone that you will see every day like your spouse or your
children. 
    3.. Set aside some time everyday to learn- Preferably it should be at the
beginning of your day so that you can have all day to practice your words and
phrases.
    4.. Use the word at least 25 times- Research studies have shown that if a
person will learn to speak a word correctly and use it its proper form for
and average of 25 times then they will have that word locked in their
vocabulary. This is an average, so you may need less time for comprehension
or you may need more. So find out how many times it takes you, and set that
as your goal.
    5.. A mind is a terrible thing to waste - Play mental games with your
self. If you do not have someone to talk to, or just do this as for a
practice exercise, visualize every action in your mind. If you are saying a
command, picture yourself saying a command to someone and visualize him or
her performing the action. 
    6.. Be very animated while you are talking- Actually act out the action
using your hands, eyes and body gestures. Not only does this help you, but
this also helps your partner with visual cues.
    7.. Once you learn a word, use it- Practice it in every day life, even if
someone does not understand they will usually understand by the tone of your
voice and your actions. 
    8.. Speak words out loud- You need to vocalize all your words. Do not say
them low and under your breath. Be proud of your language. 
    9.. Teach someone else the language- This is one of the best ways to
learn is to actually try to teach someone else as you are going.
    10.. Sound out your syllables- I even want you to hold up your fingers
and express each syllable. I will put the syllable version with the sound
file along with the conversational Cherokee.
    11.. Teach someone else- By teaching someone else, you will in effect
teach yourself. Your comprehension will increase dramatically. 
    12.. Make and use note cards- I want you to use these note cards for
reference only, do not rely on them exclusively. During a free moment, take
them out and quiz yourself.
    13.. Listen to the language- When you listen to the sound files take some
extra time to make sure that you are pronouncing the words correctly. 
    14.. Go in to Cherokee mode- Set aside some time and only talk Cherokee.
Say the words that you know, act out the commands and practice the language.
Do not use any English during this time. At first you will not know much, but
as we progress further you will be amazed at the results. 
    15.. Have fun- Make the language fun for you. Design games, songs or what
ever helps you learn the words. If you find something that works for you, let
me know and I will pass it on to others. 


Here is how I want you to make your cards. Try to use lined 3x5 note cards.
First of all, put the command at the very top of your card in English skip a
line and put the command on the line. I will also be giving you four other
forms. The forms cover other pronouns used in the Cherokee language and they
will be useful in later exercises. Do not focus on them, later you will see
how they will help in the learning process.

Here is a sample card.


TO GO

He-na                    You go.

Ge-na                    Let me go.


Hi-ne-na                 You and I go.

Hi-tse-na                You all go.

Hi-de-na                 You all and me go.

Now go out into the world and practice. Tell you wife to go, tell your dog to
go. Tell the slow moving care in front of you to go. Tell your self to go.
Find at least 25 times to use this word.

I have been extremely busy because this is the summer season at the museum so
I must apologize for not getting you more lessons. I am very excited about
where we are going with these future lessons and you will be receiving a lot
more lessons. 

Sgi 

Bo Taylor


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