A systematic survey of Wit’suwit’en language speakers in the northwest is hoping to collect enough information to get an accurate picture of fluent and non fluent speakers.
“There’s never been a systematic survey done before. So we’re reaching out to collect information that we may no expect,” explains Language Program Coordinator Mélanie Morin with Wit’suwit’en Language and Culture Society.
She says it’s also to find out the level of interest among non speakers.
“It’s making the connection between the elders and the youth. Our biggest challenge is having curriculum that goes beyond that beginner, learner stage,” says Morin.
She says current estimates indicate only 3 per cent of the population are fluent speakers with the average age around 66-years-old, and the youngest 36. In the early 90s Morin says estimates were believed to be higher, but without this survey, she says it’s hard to tell.
“We’re also trying to (identify) some of the challenges that might be preventing language revitalization. By having this data it helps up to open up those conversations.”
There’s also work being done to complete a Wit’suwit’en dictionary in a bid to revitalize the language.
They’ll be holding their first language revitalization workshop Saturday at the Moricetown Centennial hall, with others planned in different communities.
Here’s a link to the survey:
fluent speakers:
https://moricetown.wufoo.com/forms/kqhut9q1ai7enk/
Non fluent:
https://moricetown.wufoo.com/forms/xsoax7b1hozc6o/
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