Administration for Native Americans
The Chickasaw Nation was recently awarded a grant of more than $93,000 from the Administration for Native Americans to conduct a language survey and design a master-apprentice language program.
“This survey is an important component of the Chickasaw language revitalization program,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “Chickasaws everywhere have an opportunity to take part in this vital effort to preserve our language for future generations.”
Because a comprehensive language survey has not been recently conducted, there is not a reliable estimate of the number of fluent Chickasaw speakers.
In 2003, the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing conducted a survey of citizens which included questions regarding language. Of 2,588 surveys returned, only 91 people identified themselves as fluent speakers at that time.
Other estimates of the number of fluent speakers range from about 600 to about 70.
The survey will also provide valuable information about the level of importance Chickasaws place on use and revitalization of the Chickasaw language.
A recent study indicated the Chickasaw Nation could lose its last fluent speaker in 20 to 30 years if nothing is done to revitalize the language.
Very few children born since 1960 learned the Chickasaw language as a primary language. Many of the fluent speakers today are 65 years of age or more.
The survey will not only help officials calculate the number of fluent speakers, it will also help establish guidelines for selecting participants for the master-apprentice language program.
This program will pair fluent speakers with apprentices who are willing to devote the time and effort necessary to become fluent speakers in 18 to 24 months.
Each of 10 fluent speakers will be teamed with an apprentice who has some knowledge of the Chickasaw language.
Teams will make a commitment to spend two hours each day five days per week communicating in the Chickasaw language.
Because of the significant time commitment involved in participating in the program, one goal of the survey is to identify potential candidates who live in close proximity.
