It’s not only the schools and the government but the community and homes should also promote the language, she added.
Calvo issued the statement after the young authors competition for the upcoming Fourth Annual Cultural Celebration on Rota drew only five participants.
She said this is an indication that only a few children are interested in their own language.
“I think the Chamorro language is dying,” she added,
At home, even though parents speak in the native tongue, their children usually reply in English, she said.
“Parents should be more responsible in the upbringing of their children. They should speak Chamorro because that’s the identification of who we are.”
The five contestants from Sinapalo Elementary School will read their books during the cultural celebration.
Calvo is hoping that young adults will have a stronger interest in the Chamorro language even though it is not taught in high school.
The young authors competition aims to promote, preserve and protect the Chamorro language amid globalization and new information technologies.
Calvo said they are now in the process of printing the books of the five participants.
Copies will be distributed to DCCA, the school, its library and the authors.
The winning entries will receive $500 cash prize for first place; $300 for second place; and $200 for third place.
There is a consolation prize of $50.
Calvo said they were able to generate funds through the support of the Inetnon Atten Atistan Luta, the Rota mayor’s office and Pacific Development Inc.
Aside from the young authors competition, the cultural celebration will also feature sand painting, weaving, coconut tree carving and the presentation of medicinal plants, Calvo said.
