Navajo Now Language Survey Link: https://forms.gle/sfzVPR4rp251bmHT9 (NO LONGER TAKEN RESPONSES)

This survey has been in the works for months and I think I finally have all the questions I think would be useful for us as a Navajo language learning community to examine. I don’t know of any other survey attempt like this on such a wide audience.

Submissions are anonymous. As a thank you I will choose a random participant to receive a copy of the Navajo dubbed Fistful of Dollars DVD. Please enter your email address in the last question if you would like to enter the drawing, one entry per person. Responses to the survey in no way effect you chances for winning, so please be honest in you answers. The drawing will be made toward the end November allowing for plenty of time for people to participate in this survey. Email addresses will be discarded after the drawing.

The raw data from these submissions will be in the sole possession of Navajo Now and its founder(me), to be examined, analyzed and shared with this community via this website. Participation is entirely voluntarily. 

Navajo Now Language Survey Link: https://forms.gle/sfzVPR4rp251bmHT9

Please share the link in other language forums so we get as many people to answer as possible, I know there are quite a few of us learning the language.

My sister forwarded me this flyer distributed, I believe, by the Dine Language Teachers Association. And I’d like to spread the word as well as inform everyone what this program is actually. It’s a flyer seeking those interested in learning to speak Navajo by participating in their Mentor-Apprentice Program for the Navajo Language. Participants must be 18 yrs or older, commit to 5 hours of study per week. Must meet with your chosen mentor face-to-face but can be virtual via an app. The duration of the program is for 6 months. Oh, and both mentor and apprentice….or teacher and learner……are paid $15 per session. If I’m doing the math correctly that equates to $300 a month for each of the two participants. The Deadline is set for June 16, 2023 and you must email them at the email on the flyer or call directly.

But what is a Mentor-Apprentice Language Program? Wikipedia gives a concise definition: The Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program is a program to help younger community members learn their language of heritage with fluent elders in the community.

Mentors are fluent speakers, don’t necessarily have to be elders but there is an added bonus of having an elder who also bestows cultural knowledge and not just language assistance as the mentor.

I like the sound of this type of program. It focuses on regular language immersion sessions, this means the mentor only speaks the indigenous language during the whole session. And this particular Navajo program is paying both the learner and teacher to participate. Get paid to learn a language?! Why not!!?? I would like to engage in a program like it in the near future. But I lack the free time to commit to this program and am not confident I can locate and mentor who can also commit before the deadline. If you, like me, are unable to join this program you can still start your own Mentor-Apprentice Program just between you and a fluent Navajo speaker. First, I would recommend start with some Googling and reading of the following keywords: master apprentice language learning program

There have been other tribes that have started their own Mentor-Apprentice programs(MAPs). I’ll link this pdf to the Tlingit MAP: click here to view

This will give a pretty good foundation on what a MAP program is, how often to meet, creating session goals and plans, what the roles and responsibilities are for the mentor and apprentice, and what to learn or study together in your sessions. This maybe be specifically for Tlingit but this honestly applies to all indigenous languages. Have a look. Maybe there is a piece you want to incorporate in your own family but on a smaller scale.

But remember, this is only one way to learn a language. For our people it’s actually a very good option for those who can’t attend a Navajo class on or off the reservation but have access to a fluent speaker. This does give more structure for those wanting to learn with a family member because I think we’ve all tried to sit and ask to be taught something in Navajo only to have the conversation trail off into. To be honest these MAPs sound very frustrating in the beginning especially if the learner has absolutely no foundation in, our case, Navajo and the mentor only speaks Navajo. So I recommend to not to try and learn anything complex in the beginning. Learn short phrases, listen, and repeat. Repeat a lot. And I suggest some recording device to use when you are not in a “session” for practice.

I googled “Diné bizaad tutor” and “Navajo language tutor”.

Do you know how many people I found that offered services as a Navajo language tutor?

Only 3!

Do you know how many forum posts I’ve come across that are looking for Navajo tutors?

More than 3.

This needs to be corrected. I know there are more than three Navajo instructors out there who are qualified enough to offer tutoring to beginner, intermediate, and advanced level Navajo learners.

Here’s what I am gonna offer because it is difficult to find a Navajo language tutor online.

If you have some background with Navajo language teaching and offer tutoring services online, or in-person, leave a blog comment below with some contact information and a sentence or two about yourself. This way there is a list of Navajo tutors if anyone is looking for one.

If there is a good response of instructors I might start a tutor directory. ;)

Photo credit: Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash

Great news! You can watch Star Wars: A New Hope and Finding Nemo in Navajo from the comfort of your own home! A Reddit user noticed the Navajo dubbed version Star Wars was listed in the Extra section of the movie on Disney+.

Both movies were available for limited screenings when they were released in theaters in 2013 and 2016. There were unfortunately a limited number of DVDs available for distribution afterward. There has been a demand to obtain a DVD copy of these titles and I am so glad it accessible via Disney+ now.

To watch, go to either movie of your choice In Disney+.

Then select the Extra section and scroll down until you find the (Navajo Version) in the list.

Unfortunately, they do not include any Navajo subtitles for either movie. I think it was a huge missed opportunity, but we will take what we can get.

Enjoy!!!

Also, I have been toying with this idea of creating a digital textbook. Free to the public, of course. I think there are enough public domain resources to revamp and have a textbook-like resource for everyone. I’m thinking it could have audio embedded in it, listening exercises, etc. If there is enough interest we could start getting some people together to create such a resource. Please make a comment below to let me know if you would be interested in being part of such a project.

If you are a Navajo speaker that is interested in doing something sooner than later, I have a separate idea for you that could be very helpful to this community. Comment below if that is you.

I’ve been around more Navajos lately and this language topic of learning, speaking and the difficulty of finding people to practice with is something I hear about almost everyday. It’s time for something, something new maybe. I am not sure entirely what, but I have ideas.

The Audio/Visual, Vocab & Flashcards, and Culture & Tourism pages have many more links. There have been some helpful resources made available in recent years, the flashcard and video sections are a reflection of this. The Culture & Tourism section was fun to update, there’s lots of information there to explore and learn about the Navajo.

Thank you all for checking out the site if you were a new visitor during this time. From the beginning of February to the beginning of May 2020 the site had 2,750 hits from 51 different countries. You all motivated me to make sure you had the most up-to-date Navajo language resources during this global pandemic. Ahe’hee.

Enjoy the new material.

Stay safe out there.

There is a targeted $5 Google Book credit promotion running now thru September 30, 2017. Log into Google Play and then Books. There should be an advertisement that looks like this if you are targeted:

Make sure your choice is $5.01 or more. Use keywords “navajo”, “diné”, and “navaho” to find the few titles on Navajo history and language. The one time discount will be credited at checkout like this:

Don’t forget there are some free (public domain) titles like: The Navaho Language: the elements of Navaho grammar with a dictionary. Enjoy!!

Receive $10 off any book purchase of at least $25. Use promotion code HOLIDAYBOOK under the “Gift cards & promotional codes” section when checking out. According to the terms and conditions the offer is valid starting November 24th and goes through Nov 28th.

A sample purchase of two books

I’ve tried a combination of different books, the promotion applies to books shipped by Amazon. Third party sellers do not count.

When choosing a book be sure to look at related items at the end of the page. Also take a look at Audio Forum to compare the digital price for some books.

If you don’t have Amazon Prime there is a free trial to take advantage of the free 2-day shipping here.

I had the opportunity to attend a screening of Nemo Hádéést’įį’ last month and I loved it. I was very happy the seating chart was filled to half capacity at the ticket counter on arrival and there were more Navajo patrons waiting to reserve their seats.

I was excited but also unsure of what to expect of the event. The SLC Star Wars screening had technical difficulties. I patiently waited for more than an hour for the problem to resolve. No Star Wars, I left disappointed. This time around Finding Nemo had two showings daily for almost a week at the Megaplex Theater in Salt Lake City. In fact, there were screenings available in about nine theaters across three states with other viewing in the works.

What was fun about Nemo Hádéést’įį’ was the opportunity to look up potential vocabulary.  This was a limited preparatory practice for Star Wars. Did you know Garth Wilson’s Conversational Navajo Dictionary has an entry for Turtle? I didn’t until I looked it up. It was interesting to learn turtle ahead of time and  then hear it in the theater. I actually heard it multiple times throughout the movie, even when the turtle was off screen.

The fact that this was an animated film was helpful for me to watch. When I watch dubbed movies in spanish it confuses me a bit. Another example is watching kung fu movies with english dubbing. It kind of kills the experience with the sound and lips not syncing. Dubbing the completed Nemo animation I’m sure had challenges for the script writers, but they did a really good job of syncing navajo dialogue to the animation. There were moments when I forgot I was watching Finding Nemo in another language.  This is hard to explain when I don’t speak or understand navajo fluently. But what I guess I’m saying is that the movie flowed very naturally for not originating in navajo.

Did I learn anything new from the movie? I was surprised by what I could comprehend in navajo. I could not pick out many specific verb conjugations but I really enjoyed hearing some familiar vocabulary. I really wish I had sat in the very back corner seat with paper and pen to take notes, I would have remembered more phrases.

I really want to watch it again, and soon I’ll have that opportunity. The Navajo Nation Museum has started pre-orders for the DVD. Go to NavajoNemo.com(deadlink) to order. I want everyone who is interested in purchasing a DVD to order today. I want the Navajo Nation Museum and Disney/Pixar to know that there continues to be an interest in full-length navajo dubbed films. This can only lead to more entertainment in the navajo language. 

Lastly, I was surprised to hear the end credit song “Beyond the Sea” in navajo, and it is great. I wish it was for purchase somewhere.  It is sung by Fallout Boy vocalist Patrick Stump. You can hear part of it in the Nemo Hádéést’įį’ trailer below.

If you have not seen Nemo Hádéést’įį’ yet, buy the DVD, make some popcorn and invite your elders to watch with you. You will all love it!!!

There are a few holiday examples with audio on this page. 

and lastly, some good all around advice  …

Share these phrases or other pics at Countryboy79 on Facebook and Twitter. Spread the Navajo Holiday cheer!

Yá’át’ééh Késhmish! and Happy Holidays!!

Credit: Fernando de Sousa

The Navajo Nation Museum FB page has posted a list of days and locations of the Navajo dubbed Star Wars screenings for the next few months.

You will have to contact the venue to see what a ticket is going to cost you. Looks like there is plenty of time to fit this into you calendar.

In preparation for the screening I will be watching Star Wars in English maybe 2 or 3 times to familiarize myself with the story line. It has been awhile since I have seen the film.  Warning:  If you are going to see this movie for the very first time and don’t know any Navajo you are going to be bored. A little bit of preparation can help you get the most out of your experience.

Here is the list of shows from the FB page:

Tempe, AZ
Friday or Saturday October 5 , Arizona State University

Phoenix, AZ
Sunday October 6, The Heard Museum

Albuquerque, NM
Friday October 11 The Kimo Theater

Salt Lake City, UT
Friday October 18 Utah Museum of Natural History

Denver, CO
Saturday October 19 Sie FilmCenter

Washington, DC
Friday November 1 National Museum of the American Indian

New York City NY
Sunday November 3 National Museum of the American Indian

San Francisco, CA
Wednesday November 6 American Indian Film Festival

Los Angeles, CA
Saturday November 9 Red Nations Film Festival

I was very surprised to see a press release by the Navajo Nation Museum about the dubbing of Star Wars into Navajo! The press release, I believe, can be seen here. According to the release the movie it to premiere at  the Fourth of July Celebration & PRCA ProRodeo in Window Rock, Az. I am going to try and make it to the premiere. Here is a KOAT news report on the Star Wars Auditions held on May 4th.

I am so excited at the prospect of future projects that may come out of this. No mainstream movie has ever been dubbed in Navajo, or any other North American indigenous language that I know of. I really hope that the Navajo Nation will see that there is an interest in Navajo language entertainment. I am glad to see that Director of the Navajo Nation Museum, Manuelito Wheeler, sought out this venture to preserve the Navajo language.

On the choice of movie. It’s an interesting choice, Star Wars. But it is a good choice because everyone is familiar with it. Translating the sci-fi movie will have its challenges. How do you say lightsaber, republic, or Jedi? The real question is… Would you know what they were talking about if you heard the translation? I think this is great opportunity to show how flexible our language is and that we can use it modernly. I hope there are minimal gripes about how this is may “decay the sanctity” of the Navajo language. This is a good, no… great, undertaking.

For future information on the dubbing and screenings visit the Navajo Nation Museum Facebook Page. 

I had the most interesting experience not too long ago on Facebook. I was perusing the Navajo Language Renaissance page for any new information that I could share with everyone when I started reading comments.

I read the post and comments you see to the left. Although I didn’t understand the post completely, I understood what the comment was saying. It’s a simple phrase and I’m sure you can catch the meaning.

I’ve decided that it is a good practice to read through the comments to see the conversation that continues. I pick up new vocabulary this way. Here are a few other Facebook pages and groups you might be interested in:

Dine Bizaad Immersion Camp – Information about upcoming language immersion camp opportunities

Navajo WOTD – Daily words and occasional cultural insight

Navajo Word of the Day – Commonly used words, phrases, sentences

Dine Bizaad – NAU students learning the Navajo language & culture

Waashindoon Dine Bizaad – Navajo language club in the Washington D.C. area

Navajo Language Renaissance – non-profit working to revitalize the Navajo language, provides Navajo-only postings.

   Expressing Agreement
Expressing Understanding
Offering to Help
Stating Warning
Inquiring about Forgetting
Inquiring Whether Something is Possible
Expressing Need
Inquiring About Difficulty
Expressing Ease
Expressing Pleasure
Expressing Worry
Expressing Surprise
Expressing Sympathy
Stating Want
Expressing Boredom

Flickr credit: kayveeinc

My title today comes from the preface of Interactional Navajo. Simply greeting others  to encourage Navajo language usage was a concept I had thought of a few months ago. How many individuals on the reservation actually initiate their conversations in Navajo anymore? 

Referring to my Spanish language experience, if an individual initiates a conversation with Hola, Mucho gusto…. I am inclined to respond in Spanish and the conversation continues in Spanish.  We need more of this in Navajo. Depending on the language ability of the two conversing individuals it will continue for a deferential amount of time.  But the goal is not to see how long people continue, we want to encourage everyone to use the Navajo they do know.

If I ever get the chance I want to initiate some random Navajos in conversation with Navajo salutations. It won’t matter their speaking level or knowledge, I just want to see what their response will be. Will they continue to follow suit? Will they switch to English? If anyone else wants to take this idea and run with it, do it. Let’s experiment.

It makes me think of how different our language situation might be if we all initiated conversations in Navajo.

Note: Sorry for the break in posts. The new year has been interestingly frustrating. I have plenty to continue to share with everyone through Navajo Now, and I should be posting regularly from now on.

1. What is your earliest memory of the Navajo language?

My earliest memory would be my childhood. Growing up, my family was always talking Navajo.

2. When did you decide to study/learn Navajo? How long have you been learning/studying?

I always wanted to learn/study but decided when I moved away from the “Rez.” I have been studying off and on throughout my life.

3. What kind of challenges do you face as you have been learning?

I can understand it better than I can speak it.

4. What level of fluency did you have when you started studying/learning? What level of fluency do you have now?

Early childhood I could speak and understand but over the years I drifted away from speaking it. When I hear it I can understand it. Now I’m starting out as a beginner.

5. What is your ultimate goal with the language?

To speak it fluently, carry a conversation with my elders.

6. I personally have a wish list of types of media I would like to see mainstream in Navajo, what is something you would want on your Navajo Learning WishList?

More smartphone apps. I rather like to hear/speak it rather than learn the grammar/spelling

7. There are quite a few Navajos wanting to learn Navajo but probably don’t know where to begin. What do you suggest they do to begin?

I am in the same situation. If I was back on the rez it would be easier since family speaks it, but away from the rez I would suggest Rosetta Stone. I am new to it. The Dine Bizaad group, we found that Rosetta stone was an easier way of learning. Then again there are also Navajo classes in college and in high school. I would recommend taking such classes if available.

8. For those who are fluent or have a level of speaking fluency, what do you think they should do to either maintain that fluency or improve it?

I can’t think of any other way to maintain the language other than speaking and hearing it.

9. What kind of materials do you use, etc.?

Now, Rosetta Stone, local Navajo radio stations using the internet, and family. I try to talk to family in Navajo.

10. What should fluent speakers of the language be doing to help this generation who wants to learn?

Back to question 8. Speak it fluently, encourage the younger generation to maintain and keep the language. Teach that it is important to maintain. At one point in our history it helped save this country. We, as a people, have to keep that.

11. What kind of advice or words of encouragement do you have for Navajo language learners?

Keep trying. I am still learning and I still want to learn. I know there are many things I can learn from my elders who only know Navajo.

There are an increasing number of volunteer opportunities for Navajo speakers in the Navajo language community. I’ve mentioned a few before: Facebook, Rhinospike, and Google in You Language. (By the way, we could always use more help with Facebook to speed up the process. Email me if you want to help out.)

Today,  I’d like to mention a few other Navajo language projects that have been brought to my attention.

Mozilla, web browser  
Volunteer translator Akerbeltz has informed me that translation of Mozilla into Navajo has already started and that they could use some more help to move along the process. Go to: http://mozilla.locamotion.org/

Memrise.com – language learning wiki
Not so much a program, but a learning community. Some people expressed an interest in learning some vocabulary, so I’ve started everyone on Navajo phrases. Anyone can add content just go to http://memrise.com to create a new course. A full review of Memrise.com is coming soon.

LibreOffice, word processor, spreadsheets, etc
This is an open source alternative to Microsoft Office. Akerbeltz has said this is also a prime candidate for translation. Although I have no link for everyone just yet, I will keep a close eye on this. In the mean time, if you would like to download the program and start thinking of Navajo translations go to: http://www.libreoffice.org/

VLC mini – media player
This another that has not commenced, but I will keep a close eye on it.

There are, of course, more opportunities for Navajo speakers to volunteer than non-Navajo speakers. But hopeful that is going to change very soon. In the meantime, I will added a link and page with all volunteer opportunities for Navajo speakers and non-speakers if they are interested.

With the help of Twitter I have discovered a new useful Navajo app. The Navajo Keyboard app is just that, a keyboard to type in Navajo. The default iPhone/iPod keyboard has some functionality as a Navajo keyboard, but doesn’t have the nasal marks for any of the vowels. Accents are plentiful because of their frequency in other languages, but nasal-less vowels leave Navajo writers at a disadvantage.

The app is free and it works great, but it takes some getting use to. The biggest drawback is that it is not integrated directly into the default iPhone/iPod keyboard. Nope, this is a completely separate app.The app functions as a sort of notepad and keyboard. Type what you want and use it where you want. The app does allow you to send your text via email, send IMs, and post as a tweet. It looks like posts to Facebook can be made from the preview images on the app page, I don’t use Facebook on my iPod so I can’t confirm this. For any other use the text must be typed in the app, copied, switch apps and paste into a text field of your choice.

Now this is only for iPhone/iPod users. Someone mentioned on Twitter that Droid has something already, but with not having a Droid product at my disposal it is difficult to verify this. If there is any one else that would like to find, test, and review the Droid counterpart let me know. In the meantime, go and check out the app .

4/2020
There a few Navajo keyboard options to use on both iOS and Android phones.
Navajo Keyboard iOS
Navajo Keyboard Plugin Google Play store
Dine/Eng Keyboard Google Play store

Credit: countryboy79

Happy Thanksgiving!

The holiday season is here again! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I wanted to share with everyone this website I have been using to know how to say holiday greetings. If you follow me via Twitter or Facebook I have been sharing a few of these greetings since Halloween.

Just about every holiday greeting is listed on the site with minimal explanation and alternates. A good percentage have an audio link to know how each phrase should be pronounced.

When my mother would play Sharon Burch’s cassette “Yazzie Girl” on long car trips when I was little, maybe 3 or 4 years old.

At school we were required to complete a language component, I decided to study Navajo so I could have a better grasp at a language that I have heard all my life and yet had very little understanding of. While, I have technically studied the language for, at least, 3 years I have had my most progress in intensive studying sessions over 3 months.

Variation, much like the English language, words/phrases in Navajo can be spoken in different ways too. So, this would be especially difficult when I trained myself to conceptualize a word/phrase in one way only to find that it can be said in another way.

At the beginning, I could only pick out certain words that I could understand. Now, I’m a little better but I’ve been slacking on my studying so it’s maybe almost back to my initial stage.

To be able to speak during a conversation, naturally.

I definitely would like to see more picture books with Navajo, possibly even in a comic book format. I think that would be awesome! To see the conversations and the narration in Navajo would be interesting.

If you can, I highly suggest the Navajo Rosetta Stone but take the lessons with a grain of salt and write down all the questions you have on certain lessons. Then take the questions to someone is fairly fluent and can help clarify, this really helped me understand the language a lot more. Also, I it was a good way to casually ask for help.

I would also suggest practicing the sounds and to interchange the various pronouns suffixes in words (shi, ni, bi, etc).

Find other ways to maintain your fluency. At my height, I typed up a one page personal essay.

I usually used two different sources like the Rosetta Stone program and a unrelated Navajo language book and used the book to supplement what the computer program went over. I would write out example sentences and highlight any questions I had. My sessions would usually last for an hour per day.

I think that’s difficult to say, especially since a majority are elders. Although they are a great resource, I think it’s a bit daunting to be approached by a younger person and be asked to teach them Navajo.

Keep going! I know it can be daunting but if you can even get your hands on one language book I think it’s worth it to study it and to ask for help from others.

I just graduated from college, so right now it’s figuring out what’s next…graduate school? employment? Staying home? Moving away? Many questions.

This first email interview is with Shane Begay. I first was made aware of Shane through the Facebook group Wááshindoon Diné bizaad. This is an informal group in the D.C. area where they share the Navajo culture through weekly language discussions.  If you live in the area and would like to participate please refer to the group page on Facebook.

Shane is originally from Lukachukai, Arizona. He is currently living in Washington, D.C.. He is Tlizilani and born for the Tachiinii  clans. He studied Politics at Brigham Young University where he received his bachelors degree. He enjoys the study of Politics which is, “part of the reason why I love being in DC.”

1. What is your earliest memory of Navajo?
The Navajo language has always been a part of my life. My parents always spoke Navajo to us. My grandparents only spoke Navajo and I have many aunts and uncles who only know Navajo. So it was something that I have grown up with.

2. When did you decide to learn Navajo?
I have always wanted to learn Navajo but felt somewhat embarrassed to ask my parents to teach me. I tried listening to them so I could grasp an understanding but never spoke back for fear of saying things wrong or being teased. (Even though I know that wouldn’t have happened.)

3. What kind of challenges have you encountered?
The biggest challenge has been finding resources. I get excited when any kind of language assistance is developed. I also wish there were more people around to speak to.

4. What level of fluency did you have when you started? And now?
I feel I have a basic understanding of the language. I just don’t speak well. When I study the language it has become easier to make connections and sense of the language.

5. What is your ultimate goal?
Definitely fluency, would love to be able to be a public speaker and converse with the elderly.

6. I personally have a wish list of types of media I would like to see mainstream in Navajo, what is something on your Navajo Learning wish list?
Nothing specific. I think any form of media can be used to learn the language. It just needs to be accessible to all.

7. There are quite a few Navajos wanting to learn Navajo but probably don’t know where to begin. Where do you suggest they start?
Don’t be afraid to contact people you know who are fluent to let them know your goals. Having people who are fluent to talk to is invaluable. Otherwise find a dictionary and other books to get you started on basic vocabulary. Then listen to KTNN and begin deciphering on your own.

8. For those who have a level of speaking fluency, what do you think they should maintain that fluency?
The only true way to maintain fluency it to speak. Even if that means having conversations with yourself. You can study all you want but it can still be lost.

9. What kind of materials do you use?
Right now mainly Rosetta Stone and conversations with a small study group. We try to find stuff on internet but there is not much.

10. What should fluent speakers do to help this generation of Navajo language learners?
I don’t know if fluent speakers need to do much more than keep speaking to friends, family, and children. If they have the resources to create new  products that will help, I say go for it. Right now anything will help.

11. What kind of advice do you have for Navajo language learners?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. I believe that most Native speakers realize the importance of language survival.

12. What is your profession or what otherwise keeps you busy from day-to-day?
I work for American Indian Housing. Apart from work I try to keep active by running, biking, weightlifting, snowboarding, rock climbing. I love looking for inner city things to do. Obscure fun things.

I’m honored to be considered a favorite in the article. Visit Native Peoples Magazine website to know where you can view the recent issue.  For a preliminary list of favorite websites visit Dr. Jessica Metcalfe’s blog, Beyond Buckskin.

Here’s my one minute of Navajo in response to my challenge: One Minute Navajo 8.14.2012 

If a correction is needed, which I’m sure I might need, please post a video response in YouTube. Thanks.

Zonnie Gorman
photo credit: Nicola Majocchi

I’ve come across an interview with Zonnie Gorman that is applicable to our appreciation of the Navajo language. I am grateful I came across it, especially with Navajo Code Talkers Day just around the corner (August 14).

Zonnie Gorman is the daughter of Carl Gorman who was one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers. She is a recognized historian on our beloved Navajo Code Talkers. She was interviewed on March 12, 2012 by Dr. Robert-Falcon Ouellette,  At the Edge of Canada: Indigenous Research.

More information on where and when Gorman will be lecturing next is posted on her website:  www.zonniegorman.com.

The interview audio can be downloaded at: http://www.attheedgeofcanada.com/2012/03/zonnie-gorman-talks-about-growing-up_20.html
Interview begins at 7:07

I have a  suggestion.

Say the day of the month and day of the week in your introduction. With a little help from NavajoWOTD.com that’s so easy. Hint: replace Táá’ts’áadah and nda’iiníísh with 14 and Tuesday.

From NavajoWOTD.com: Yoołkááł is the Navajo word for “to become day(time).” Combined with the Navajo word for “today” (dííjį́, or dííshjį́), you can say the following:

Táá’ts’áadahgóó yoołkááł dííshjį́, nda’iiníísh. (Today is the 13th, Friday.)