Monday, February 13, 2006

To the drawing board

This picture actually dates back to first term, taken in one of our immersion classes. We all drew and dressed up figures in various colors of clothing (ayiwinisa) made from kids' craft stuff.

Hey, it's not always fun and games learning a language, but sometimes it is. In fact, I think we learn much better that way.

Here you can see how I tried to create a teenager clothed in the hip-hop stylings so fashionable these days. His torso was a bit off, but I never said he was 'Ken'-like.

As I've written here before, I'd like to do a lot more creative stuff of this nature, maybe even extend it to more elaborate learning materials.

I'll try to include more pictures from class more often.

ekosi,
Rick

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rick,

You trying to regain your ancestral language is deeply inspiring. I wish you nothing but the best in your journey.

Sincerely,

Paul L
(an old roommate from your university days :-) )

Tue Feb 14, 07:35:00 PM MST  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Rick,
What a great idea to record your progress with a 'blog. The Mi'gmaq I do know comes from classes I took when I was 12. I've felt that art is a form of language, and in doing more of it, I feel I've learned more about my language though my art. Recently, though, I've been thinking about really taking a serious look into trying to learn the Mi'gmaq written and oral language. Others seem so good at it, that it's hard to really find a comfortable niche. Maybe it's just about believing more in myself. While working on the film, I've learned more about what words and phrases mean in a "being" or life sense, rather than literal, and perhaps I am now ready to really sit down and try to learn the language. Through the help of an elder, we translated my script to Mi'gmaq, and he narrated it as well. It was overwhelming to see and hear the words I wrote in the language. I guess the powers that be (or the Empower-ers that be) reveal themselves when we're at a point in our lives when we're ready to understand and embrace.
Your entries are inspiring indeed. Best to you in everything you do,
Phyllis

Tue Feb 28, 02:52:00 PM MST  
Blogger Bryce Wesley Merkl said...

Here is a resource that may be helpful in your journey of learning Cree:

Nēhiyawēwin wiki browser

Fri Jul 18, 09:55:00 PM MDT  

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