The Chamorro language is slowly vanishing as the Western culture continues to increase its popularity with films, television programs, magazines, fashion, and the internet among the youth in the community, individuals who live by its influences day by day.
Digital Motion, the Public School System, and Power 99 have secretly been planning to launch an explosive wave of force in returning the CNMI to its cultural identity with the Chamorro language.
“Finu’ Chamorro,” or “Let’s Talk Chamorro,” is the golden project behind the masterminds into parlaying the Chamorro language right in your living room.
The project was instilled to further the knowledge of the Chamorro language amongst the youths and among others.
It isn’t just for the local community, if someone is married to a Chamorro native and would like to talk to them or their relatives in their native language, then this is the show for you.
Anybody who is willing to learn the language can do so with the easy- step format that the teachers have prepared for all to learn.
PSS have contributed their highly recommended Chamorro teachers into “Finu’ Chamorro,” and having them teach the native language in a comfortable form.
PSS have recruited all the Chamorro teachers in the Elementary and Junior High Schools from Saipan, Tinian and Rota in being a part of the celebration in having the language be engrained into the community once again.
“We do have a five year plan with our goals and objectives as well as a vision and mission for the program.” said Lumi Bermudes, PSS Chamorro Language & Heritage program manager and “Finu’ Chamorro” producer.
“I want to see more and more of our younger generation use the language; the older guiding the young, and even the non-Chamorro speaking members of our community speak Chamorro.” Bermudes explained that “it was great when it was years ago when even non-Chamorro residents found it important to speak Chamorro.”
A couple of months ago, Digital Motion went to Lumi Bermudes and pitched the idea of having PSS be a part of the project that they were thinking in producing.
Coincidently, Bermudes had thought of the project for a couple of years in starting it.
Luckily, both met at the right moment and a partnership was formed.
A project has emerged and is now visible to see what they have come up with.
“I’ve dreamed of this way before I even assumed the position. I’ve always been an advocate in the preservation of the indigenous language. And I was elated that someone had also thought of this project. It was as if a dream had come true.” Bermudes said ecstatically.
Asked about the language usage as compared to 10 years ago, “If we can go back then I am sure we’ll be better off today, however, we can’t do much about yesterday, but we can move forward and prepare and do more for tomorrow. Just like what we are doing now.”
With a clear vision and goal, “Finu’ Chamorro” looks to have a bright future.
As Digital Motion airs the show soon within December 2011, right in the middle of the holiday season, they are accepting sponsorship from the community in its technical areas.
“Finu’ Chamorro” will have its first showing of its special Christmas episode on Dec. 26 and continues the season with the first season episode on the 27th and the 31st.
The show will be on ABC, Channel 7 from 6:30 p.m.to 7 p.m.
The premiere is scheduled tonight at American Memorial Park museum theater on Dec. 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The public will hopefully embrace the show and support it with open arms.
“I hope they are receptive and appreciate the hard work put into the project by our schools, teachers, students, and parents and Digital Motion as well as community partners. Also, like any new project, we always have room for improvement.” Bermudes continues to feel “extremely beneficial in the revival and preservation,” of the Chamorro language.
“People without a language are people without an identity. This is what makes the Marianas unique!” Bermudes said.
“That as the season progresses, I hope that our students, teachers, parents, and our community; in its entirety not only appreciate the Chamorro language but become advocates in its preservation through daily usage of the Chamorro language.”
She feels adamant on how the show will be cherished by the community, but although still feels “nervous and extremely excited” but very “optimistic!”
The community should tune in every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday starting Dec. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on ABC Channel 7.
Bermudes hopes that the show “becomes a regular, weekly T.V show” for the whole family.
Bermudes states that in the upcoming shows, there will be “more interaction and more participation, including parents and other stakeholders.”
Learning a language can be difficult, so be patient and relax on your couch. Don’t forget your notebooks and pencils for note-taking as you will learn the Chamorro language the right way. See you soon and tune in to, “Finu’ Chamorro!”
