LANGUAGE PRESERVATION
The complex Onyota’a:ká: (Oneida) language is flourishing. From audio posters found in Oneida gathering places, to the use of electronic books and smart phone apps, the Oneida Indian Nation Language Program implements a variety of techniques
to help Oneidas regain the language.
ONYOTA’A:KÁ:
Oneida Indian Nation Member and Language Instructor Mary Blau (Turtle Clan) reads The Legend of How the Bear Lost His Tail in Oneida, which was recently illustrated and translated for a language learning book.
The new book is the first in a series produced in collaboration with Madison-Oneida BOCES.
Collaboration Enhances Language Learning
Research has long suggested the ideal time to teach a new language is to 4-year-old students because young learners absorb so much information at this age.
With that in mind the Oneida Indian Nation Language program and Madison-Oneida BOCES (MOBOCES) are developing a curriculum and best practices to ensure all children at the Oneida Indian Nation Early Learning Center are learning the traditional language. With one-year of collaboration already behind them the staff at the Verona school is working on a plan to not only benefit the children, but include current Oneida language learners, teachers and ELC staff on how to bring Oneida to all.
