He hopes that the upcoming 3rd Annual Chamorro Conference on Saipan will play a vital role in the preservation and enrichment of the Chamorro language.
“Not all local children can speak Chamorro,” Macaranas said, noting that more and more local parents are using English to communicate with their children.
He urges Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to designate a special month that will emphasize the preservation and propagation of the Chamorro language.
Macaranas said the month-long celebration may also highlight the other languages spoken by the various ethnic groups on island.
“We should all observe the importance of our respective native languages,” he said.
The preparation and fundraising for the Chamorro conference, which will be held on Sept. 26-27 at the Saipan World Resort, continues, he added.
Macaranas, who chairs the program committee, yesterday received a donation of $100 from the Manamko’ Council.
Francisco A. Reyes, the council president, told Variety their group is “very happy” to support programs that celebrate the Chamorro language.
“I am very thankful to the manamko’ for extending their support,” Macaranas said. “They understand the significance of preserving the Chamorro language.”
He said the conference committee is soliciting the support of other organizations and individuals.
During the conference, Hawaii-based Chamorro language expert Henry Sablan will be one of the presenters.
Macaranas said the conference aims to unify the Chamorro people of the Mariana islands “in their continued quest to promote, protect and perpetuate the everyday use of Chamorro language and culture through education, family, and community participation, cultural events, and documentations of traditional knowledge and practices.”
