On Thursday, July 30, the Ho-Chunk Nations language division
released its first online Ho-Chunk dictionary.
This is a huge step towards preserving the Ho-Chunk
Language.
The work of launching the dictionary has lasted over
decades, but the particular project took about three years after funding was
approved.
“The most current project began in 2019. With our partners
from The Language Conservancy (TLC), we conducted an intensive word collection
project over the course of the summer. After that time much work was put into
organizing, analyzing, and editing the data,” said Henning Garvin, Hoocak
linguist.
“In 2021 with the help of TLC we were given an ANA grant
which funded the remainder of the project. However this work is only the latest
dictionary effort and built upon the efforts of many in the past. We relied
heavily on the documentation work done by the Erfurt team as a part of the
Volkswagen documentation grant in the early 2000’s which produced our first
published dictionary, and also relied heavily on the work of previous Ho-Chunks
and scholars. For example, the works of Dr. Charles Kingswan; wanag?ira and Dr.
Jospehine White Eagle; wana?g?ira, are language work which helped to form the
foundation for our current efforts. The success of our current endeavors is
directly attributable to the work they and others did and so graciously left
for our benefit,” said Garvin.
Introducing an online dictionary gives access to anyone with
internet connection wanting to learn the language, and also offers a feature
that gives proper pronunciation of over 11,000 words and sentences.
The information stored within the database upon which the
dictionary is built and this accessibility removes a huge barrier to people’s
efforts to learn and acquire the language.
The language department offers many other options and
resources to learn the language as well.
The Hoocak Academy offers an Online Pathways program
throughout the year. There are also opportunities available for independent
learning through HOIT’E, weekly videos, the First Leaners Project, and drop in
sessions with eminent speakers.
High school credit classes are also available for those
interested in the Ho-Chunk language. There are currently students enrolled in a
Ho-Chunk language class in Black River Falls, Tomah, Nekoosa, Baraboo, and
Wisconsin Dells School District.
Indigenous language is under threat of disappearing around
the world, with a language dying every two weeks.
Language is not only important for communication, but all of
creation. It is sacred, and the Ho-Chunk name, refers to this, People of the
Sacred Voice. Ho-Chunk language is a way for values, traditions, and identity
to be passed down for generations.
When a language is lost, part of that culture is lost.
Preserving it, saves traditions and customs continue living in the hearts and
minds of those who understand it.
Currently, there are estimated to be about only 50 fluent
Ho-Chunk speakers remaining. There are, however, a highly proficient second
language learners and that number continues to grow in efforts of teaching.
For more information about resources available for the
Ho-Chunk language you can visit hoocak.org or access the dictionary at
dictionary.hochunk.org.