Letter To The Editor

Letter to the Editor of The Independent.

By Taliyah S. from Zuni High School in New Mexico

Dear Readers, 

I would like to share some of my concerns about some children here in Zuni who don’t really speak Shiwi:ma (the Zuni language.) Shiwi:ma is one of the most unique languages in the world. You may not know that Shiwi:ma is at least 7,000 years old, and is a language unrelated to any other language.

One benefit of learning Zuni language is that when a Zuni speaker is applying for a job outside of Zuni, they can indicate they are bilingual. If there are any Zuni people out where the job is they would be able to help them.

To interest young Zunis in learning Shiwi:ma, games such as board games could be used. When they get a certain amount of words right, then they would get a prize. This would encourage other kids to want to win at such a game based on the Zuni language.  

Young Zunis should be able to learn Shiwi:ma at school. I believe that Zuni Public School District should consider that kids in school nowadays might better learn their language by working at their own pace. 

If you are interested in learning Shiwi:ma, there are some books that could help. Other resources can be found on the internet. According to Zuni High School Zuni language teacher Tina Panteah, ¨Many of our Zuni elders at the Senior Center are fluent Zuni speakers that [young Shiwi:ma speakers] can go to. Family members in the households can also help. Also, people who are listening to conversations around them can pick up the language. Parents must also be willing to learn [to speak Shiwi;ma,] and I am willing to help parents in any way I can.¨

Some children here in Zuni aren't wanting to learn the language because they think it's not important, and because they think that they won't have to speak Zuni when they get older. Another reason that young Zunis don't learn Shiwi:ma is because they are influenced by the attitudes of some kids who don't want to learn their language.

The Zuni language is important to use because it is a part of our culture. When Zuni kids get older and are asked to participate in certain religious activities, it’s required for them to know Shiwi:ma so they will know what’s happening with those religious activities.

If you are a Shiwi:ma speaker and are willing and able to teach Zuni kids how to speak the Shiwi:ma language, you can, since there are some websites where you can offer your time and abilities. Maybe in the future, you might want to teach your own kids the Zuni language. 

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