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Way', isk^sup w^ist S?imla?x^sup w^, ul kn_Syilx. I am an nsyilxcn language learner and teacher, living in Penticton, BC. I am Syilx. In this paper, I take the role of X∂x?mal (Fly), and share with you my ca?^sup w^t, my role and responsibility, in revitalizing nsyilxcn. I am part of a small intermediate adult language cohort working to become proficient in nqilx^sup w^cn (also referred to as nsyilxcn), and simultaneously developing a sq∂lx^sup w^cawt (a way of being, as sqilx^sup w^ adult learners) for other adult learners to follow. As adult learners, our sq∂lx^sup w^cawt includes a role and responsibility to embrace successful language acquisition methods and to re-integrate our learning back into our homes and communities. My language cohort and I are building a lived-pedagogy based on a solid triadic foundation of intensive curricular study, conversation with Elders, and immersion amongst ourselves, as learners. Our language study is grounded in community as well as cutting-edge second-language acquisition techniques developed by the Paul Creek Language Association. This paper introduces Paul Creek curriculum, nsyilxcn language acquisition and revitalization concepts, and current initiatives in nsyilxcn adult language learning, including an adult immersion house in which I and my cohort lived for five months in 2011. I share dreams of a future that includes advanced proficiency for learners and nsyilxcn's reintroduction to public and university domains.
iwá i?_pista?t i?_sqilxw cxwap tklkrixcutns
Mouse speaking to Grizzly Bear: Even a large person may need help.
Introduction
way p_isnaqsflx^sup w^, p_is∂x^sup w^rharháya?m, p_islxláxt
isk^sup w^íst S?fmla?x^sup w^, ul kn_Syilx
inq^sup w^upsa? i?_sk^sup w^ists twi? Lucy Akat S?imla?x^sup w^ t'l_nk'maplqs
k^sup w^u_alá? Í_Awist snrharháya?tn ul k^sup w^u_sqwa?q^sup w^a?álx te_sqelx^sup w^cawt'
First, before all other things, I introduce myself. I am Michele Johnson; when I teach nsyilxcn I am S?imla?x^sup w^. I am related to the Simla family in Vernon (nk'maplqs), British Columbia (BC), and the Richters in Ashnola, BC. I am Syilx (Okanagan), an nsyilxcn-speaking Interior-Salish language group from the Interior Plateau, straddling what is now known as the USCanada border in southern British Columbia and Washington (WA). Syilx are also known as sqilxw, Okanagan, Okanagan-Colville, Interior Salish, and Salish. I am new to this territory and this language. There is more to this story2. Three years ago, I found...