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Robert Hall
Arapaho Language Class (ASLA)
Haba Neyooxet,
This semester I have had two language classes: Arapaho and Blackfoot. The
methodology in my Blackfoot class used translations as a mode of learning the language.
In the class, we talked about how important the language is and we talk about how
beautiful it is more then we actually learned anything. A lot of resources were there to
learn pieces of the language but I was the only one in the class that actually gained
elements from it. In order to actually learn and retain anything I had to study day after
day after day. I found linguistic works and dictionaries and even then I have become a
listener rather then a talker. That is not the goal; the goal is to be able to speak.
ASLA is a gift. The class is based primarily on understanding the language and
being able to speak it. It is the definition of ‘immersion’ and makes the word ‘assimilate’
mean ‘a good thing’ for once. From day one I felt I was a part of something amazing.
Although I spend practically no time away from class studying Arapaho, everything was
remembered. I’m happy that we never spent too much time repeating a word over and
over. To do that ‘perverts’ the word and it will become nothing but sound. To hear a
word and to see what that word represents is to remember that word, not as a number of
phonemes, but as an actual event or object. You know, words are not memories; however,
they are tools that shape our memory…
At times I felt like I was ‘in the zone;’ as you would speak Arapaho my mind
would not allow English to interfere. In full truth, that is when I understood the language
the best. It was in its most pure form… I was in fact ‘thinking’ Arapaho, I heard the
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word, and instead of translating it to English I would understand what was being said in
that very moment. That is what language… a collection of ‘moments’
ASLA doesn’t only allow people to hear and recognize a language, but it also
allows the students to begin to see the world and create things in the language. Our better
days consisted of the days English was caste aside. I understand how this language is
independent in its own. Some concepts in the language are better understood if we don’t
use English to ‘approve’ the logic.
In my Blackfoot class we talked about how Blackfoot shouldn’t be written, yet;
every lesson we received was in writing. That is another great aspect of ASLA; we don’t
interrupt our learning with having to read. Rather then reading words we actually saw the
object or action and said it in our minds and with our mouths. Sometimes, when I try to
think of a word I forgot in Blackfoot, I begin to see text as the word comes back…… …
Language is not a representation of letters.
When I forget an Arapaho word I think of the object or process, and then the word
comes back… The language becomes alive and is able to take shape with what ever is
‘thrown’ at it. It is the difference between painting a tree and planting a tree. The painted
picture can be painted how ever the artist wants but it remains in a world of it own,
unchanging… even to the wind. The tree that has been planted has the ability to breath, to
dance in the wind, and to interact with the universe. The painting does describe to the
viewer what a tree is, but the planted tree IS a tree. ASLA does not only allow students to
be able to interpret the language they are learning; it also allows the language to embody
the students!!!!
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The most impressive thing ASLA does is retain the philosophy of the language.
There are things we learn; and from what I realized, when we tried to make meaning in
English the language was difficult. When I listened to Neyooxet speak I understood.
In regards to the language revitalization, ASLA is the best thing that has come
about. When used right, the language being taught will be learned. It does what other
language methodologies come short of doing, it produces confident speakers. A person
who talks with confidents is going to talk and give the language life. ASLA not only
‘preserves’ (dictionaries, recordings, translations), ASLA gives the language air to
breath.
The last thing that I mention is how many people claim they don’t have enough
time to learn a language; ASLA makes that thought a myth. In less then 15 hours of
language instruction I have the ability to say well over 2001 things. ASLA also bring
something to the classroom that other methodologies fail to bring; humor and love!
.
ha’ cet na’a be3en (I don’t know how to spell it)