LNMAO Level 1 Mohawk Language

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is open to the entire student body and will allow students who have no prior Native language experience to develop an appreciation for a Native language and culture, to explore and experience a unique world view, and to learn to speak a Native language. Students will use the language being studied for greetings and daily routines, become familiar with its writing and sound system, and practice basic vocabulary and phrases. Students will also use information technology during course-related activities.

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS

Unit 1  Onkha Ni:’i: Talking About Me

In this unit students will learn to introduce themselves, basic greetings and leave taking. Students will be able to apply simple phrases in context and ask and answer simple questions to facilitate learning in LNMA0. Students will be able to describe the Kanien’keha:ka, and differentiate them as a nation from the other Six Nations.

Unit 2 Kanonhweratontshera: The Thanksgiving Address

In this unit students will listen to an abbreviated form of the Kanonhweratontshera and make connections with the world around them. Students will learn to recite an abbreviated version of the Kanonhweratontshera and communicate the importance of giving thanks in relation to entities of the earth. Students will communicate the meaning of specific words and terminology within the Kanonhweratontshera that is specific to thinking and being Kanien’keha:ka’.

Unit 3  Orthography, Phonology & Prosody

Students will learn how to identify, differentiate, pronounce and spell simple and complex sounds, words, sentences, questions and answers in the Mohawk language.

Unit 4  Ne O:nen Shahathwentsia:tate: The Creation Story

Students will listen to an abbreviated version of the Kanien’keha:ka Creation Story. Students will discuss the ways that key events and practices of the creation story have relevance to their lives today. Students will communicate to describe how the creation story informs local, community-based dynamic cultural practices. Students will create a glossary of key terms and phrases from the creation story that are unique to the Kanien’keha:ka worldview. Students will create a short video explaining how one key term or phrase influences their lives in a positive way today.

Unit 5  Kaianere’ko:wa: The Great Law of Peace

In this unit students will listen to an abbreviated version of the establishment of Kaianere’ko:wa, or The Great Peace. Students will examine parallels between the historical contexts within which the Kaianere’ko:wa was established and their lives and community today.  Students will re-tell one portion of the establishment of the Kaianere’ko:wa through a medium of their choice to be presented in a video format.

Unit 6  Karihwi:io: The Code Of Handsome Lake

In this unit students will listen to and examine Iononhsate:kon: Burnt House, the first portion of the reciting of Karihwi:io, or the Code Of Handsome Lake. Students will examine parallels between the historical contexts within which the Karihwi:io was necessitated and their lives and community today. Students will present their ideas on one key theme from Iononhsate:kon relating it to a current community issue.