Learning your language...

[rachelg196]

Is it possible to learn it via the internet, books, audio/visual aids?

My grandma spoke lakota but I always took it for granted. A handful of people I know speak it so if needs be, I can run to them for help.

But is it possible? I picked up Spanish easily but I know that Lakota is much harder. I just want my son to know somethings besides the colors, numbers other sayings, kwim?

[WhoMe]

Is it possible to learn it via the internet, books, audio/visual aids?

My grandma spoke lakota but I always took it for granted. A handful of people I know speak it so if needs be, I can run to them for help.

But is it possible? I picked up Spanish easily but I know that Lakota is much harder. I just want my son to know somethings besides the colors, numbers other sayings, kwim?

Rachel,

Yes, it is possible to learn words and phrases in languages via audio/visual aids.

However, just doing this will not make you fluent.

You need a fluent language speaker to help and guide you, if your goal is to be fluent.

[rachelg196]

Rachel,

Yes, it is possible to learn words and phrases in languages via audio/visual aids.

However, just doing this will not make you fluent.

You need a fluent language speaker to help and guide you, if your goal is to be fluent.

Yeah I know, that's why I can converse with my aunt that speaks it. How big of a difference would it be if she's Standing Rock and I'm Rosebud? Once I get the pronounciation down, I can go from there. Hopefully one day I can have a little conversation in it. Thanks...

[TiPi CrEePeR]

Rachel,

Yes, it is possible to learn words and phrases in languages via audio/visual aids.

However, just doing this will not make you fluent.

You need a fluent language speaker to help and guide you, if your goal is to be fluent.

You can but pick up phrases and words but with Lakota it is different. YOu have old language, different dialects, different words and phrases for men and women. You need someone.
My dad says anyone can learn Lakota... takes a lifetime to learn how to speak it though.

[crazywolf]

Boozhoo niji,

I am no stranger to the difficulties of learning a native language. If you think Lakota is hard, try Anishinaabe. The words are longer and more difficult to remember. I have to things to offer here.

First is, you can do all you want to to learn word lists and even buy books that have english printed on one side and Lakota on the other, to make it easy to learn grammer. This kinda works but... How do you pronounce the words? This is where fluent speakers come in. It is harder to unlearn a mistake than it is to just learn it the right way the first time. Also... It depends on where exactly your people come from.

I dont know about Lakota, but Shinobs were scattered all around the great lakes. Depending on which side of the lakes you come from depends on how you say certain things. The best thing you can do is to be around the people that you want to speak with in that language. Language tapes can help if you can find them.

There are also language groups on Yahoo Groups. There is an especially large one for Anishinaabe speakers, and I frequent it for advice, as there are speakers and learners from all around Anishinaabe country. There might be such a group for Lakota.

Good luck

Derek

[OLChemist]

There are lots of books, dictionaries, and tapes but they won't get you there alone. You need fluent speakers in both genders (and you need someone to tease you when you use the wrong gender's enclitics, LOL). Classes can be found in at colleges and Indian centers in SD, MN, CO, ND, NE, MT, Sak and for some weird reason TX.

There may be a difference between Standing Rock and Rosebud. Some folks up there are Yanktonais and they speak the D-dialect.

Anyway, there's my overpriced $0.02 for what it's worth.

[Joe's Dad]

There are lots of books, dictionaries, and tapes but they won't get you there alone. You need fluent speakers in both genders (and you need someone to tease you when you use the wrong gender's enclitics, LOL). Classes can be found in at colleges and Indian centers in SD, MN, CO, ND, NE, MT, Sak and for some weird reason TX.

There may be a difference between Standing Rock and Rosebud. Some folks up there are Yanktonais and they speak the D-dialect.

Anyway, there's my overpriced $0.02 for what it's worth.

Your overpriced $0.02 knowledge is worth millions!!!! You always have good words.




JD

[rachelg196]

I'm in the Bay Area. Before I had my kid I seriously thought about going to OLC to be a nurse and take Lakota studies including language. His dad has no interest in moving to South Dakota. =(
I have a few people that would tease me if I got it wrong and I look forward to it in a weird way. I'm poke around and ask my aunt maybe she'll point me in the right direction.

[rachelg196]

Boozhoo niji,


There are also language groups on Yahoo Groups. There is an especially large one for Anishinaabe speakers, and I frequent it for advice, as there are speakers and learners from all around Anishinaabe country. There might be such a group for Lakota.

Good luck

Derek

How do you find out the REAL groups that want to get together to help learn the language? I thought I found one but it ended up being a bunch of wannabes.

[crazywolf]

How do you find out the REAL groups that want to get together to help learn the language? I thought I found one but it ended up being a bunch of wannabes.

Hey,

Its just like anything else in life, you just have to be cautious. I mean... you never know what a person is gonna be like until you walk up to them and introduce yourself. Those egroups are the same way, you never know until you get on there and snoop around. Anyone could be hiding behind those nicknames. The good thing about them is, if you dont like what you see on them, you can just quit and delete them off your favorites list.

Derek

[Joe's Dad]

I'm in the Bay Area. Before I had my kid I seriously thought about going to OLC to be a nurse and take Lakota studies including language. His dad has no interest in moving to South Dakota. =(
I have a few people that would tease me if I got it wrong and I look forward to it in a weird way. I'm poke around and ask my aunt maybe she'll point me in the right direction.

Have you tried contacting OLC to see if they have something online, or maybe they can point you in a good direction?

[WhoMe]

How big of a difference would it be if she's Standing Rock and I'm Rosebud? ...

Rachel,

The Standing Rock reservation is made up of upper and lower Yanktonai (Dakota speakers) who live mostly in the North Dakota side of the Standing Rock Reservation AND Hunkpapa and Sihasapa bands (Lakota speakers) who live mostly on the South Dakota side of the reservation.

The Rosebud (Sicangu) speak Lakota.

Most fluent Lakota speakers can understand one another when they speak.

__


For instance:

Koda is "friend" in Dakota.

Kola is "friend" in Lakota.

UnKola is "enemy" in a 7-Up can. *L j/k

[tsuj510]

Yeah, its not easy if you want to do it RIGHT, but that's the cool part about it. You bust trying to get it in the noggin, and when you can start using it, Man, it feels good! Be wary of the Net-your most valuable resource might be at Tribal Admin-talk to some of the Old Timers, they will help you.

Tell you what, Lakota is no picnic, but at least you don't have to learn 85 syllables like us Cherokee speakers do! If I'm babbling likea 2 year old by the time I'm 80, I'll be proud! Hang in there!

[chickendad]

Is it possible to learn it via the internet, books, audio/visual aids?

My grandma spoke lakota but I always took it for granted. A handful of people I know speak it so if needs be, I can run to them for help.

But is it possible? I picked up Spanish easily but I know that Lakota is much harder. I just want my son to know somethings besides the colors, numbers other sayings, kwim?

Being where I live, I use the books and audio tapes as much as I can. It would be better to have someone to talk to. Someone who can correct you and talk to to keep what you learn.