Immersion is an effective way to move from ‘studying’ a language to communicating in the language. For many Indigenous languages in BC, we must actively create spaces for immersion. Time with fluent speakers is precious, and yet, even when we are with our fluent speakers, the human desire to communicate is so strong that we often default to our common language, English. Sometimes, we end up talking about our language instead of talking in the language. To create immersion experiences, we need to be deliberate about privileging the target language. I recently had the opportunity to participate in a 5 day Kwak’wala immersion camp. Camp participants included fluent Elder speakers, intermediate learners, and beginners. We worked hard to create an English free environment and posted signs reminding each other to speak only Kwak’wala. In preparation for the camp, learners mastered a set of “survival phrases” The intention for the immersion camp was not for learners to focus on memorizing vocabulary and phrases, but to create an opportunity to learn the language through real life communication. However, mastering a small set of phrases prior to an immersion experience allows learners to take responsibility for their learning and encourage fluent speakers to speak to them in Kwak’wala.
Following is a set of survival phrases that I use in my Kwak’wala learning. These can all be heard on the First Voices Kwak’wala website.
What is this? 'mat̕sałi gada?
What is that? 'mat̕sa'łux̱ da?
What are you doing? 'wigilas?
What are you going to do? 'wigilatłas?
What were you doing? 'wigilaxdas?
I understand. a̱'yu'sa̱la'ma̱n
I don’t understand. k̓i'sa̱n a̱'yusa̱la
Do you understand? a̱'yu'sa̱la'mas?
Say it again. idzaḵwala
1.For a description of survival phrases and more on how to create one-one and small group immersion experiences see How to Keep Your Language Alive: A Commonsense Approach to One-On-One Language Learning by Leanne Hinton and B.C.'s Master Apprentice Language Program Handbook
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