ANIGUAK, Guåhan — We are ushering in a new age of vitality for the CHamoru language. This effort requires that we engage learners of all ages, especially second-language learners. We want to celebrate and uplift the brave people who have decided to become CHamoru language learners in the hopes that their stories can inspire others to learn our indigenous Mother-Tongue.
The Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru is conducting an open call for submissions for our new book project that celebrates the motivation, experiences and challenges of CHamoru second language learners.
We hope this book can provide healing and inspiration for everyone on the journey to becoming fluent and knowledgeable CHamoru language learners, speakers, & teachers.
We are seeking personal stories in the form of short-form writings (narratives, reflections, poems, short stories) and other forms of creative expressions (illustrations, photo montages, collages, etc.) that share how you were inspired to learn i Fino’ Håya, as well as any insights and strategies you have developed as a second-language learner. We also want to know what kinds of resources, programs, and initiatives the community would like the Kumisión to undertake. Whether it’s spending time with your Nåna, specific learning techniques, or creative endeavors that have helped you, we know everyone has got valuable perspectives we can learn from.
We plan to print the compendium in a coffee book style that we can keep out on our dining room tables, or around our room to bring us inspiration anytime we might feel a little discouraged.
The truth is we have each other, we have our brilliant, flexible, innovative minds, and a plethora of strategies to make us the CHamoru speakers we dream ourselves to be. Siña ha’ ta eyak i fino’ CHamoru. Ti Atrasåsao! We can learn to speak CHamoru. It’s not too late.
Find more information about the call for submissions at our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/kumisionchamoru
