Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim - Xwelíten sníchim Sḵexwts
Library Item
Ta néwyap, Síiy̓am̓, iyáwit welh wanáxwsit, Síiyay̓, i7x̱w ta Siíy̓uxwa7chet, i7x̱w ta S7eḵw’í7tel-chet iy ta Ménmen̓chet / Chiefs, respected leaders, friends, elders, relatives, and our beloved children:
This dictionary is the first published compilation by the Squamish Nation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, one of ten Coast Salish languages. The Squamish peoples' traditional homeland includes the territory around Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, B.C.), Howe Sound, and the Squamish and Cheakamus river valleys. The Squamish Nation, while a critically endangered language community, remains a crucial voice of the Squamish. The language offers a view of modern daily life, and contains the historical record, protocols, laws, and concerns of generations of Squamish people.
This dictionary builds on over 100 years of documentation and research by Squamish speakers working with anthropologists and linguists, beginning in the late nineteenth century. The dictionary is also informed by Squamish elders who taught language classes in the 1960s. More recently, the Squamish Language Elders Advisory Group has been involved with the development of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim dictionary and has supported other language recovery initiatives.
Squamish language bilingual and bicultural education is offered in K3-Grade 1 in the Nation school. Additionally, more than 400 Squamish learners receive language instruction in K5-Grade 7 in public and independent schools; and in grades 8-12, students receive credit for the language to meet provincial high school requirements.
This important work is a reflection of current knowledge and is designed as a beginner's resource for a diverse audience of learners and scholars, as well as a tool for exploration.
Neḵ’ílus ta s7ulh temíxwiy̓eḵw / Our elders are wise. Smen̓álhwit, Áyatwaywit, Chénchen̓stwaywit / They carried themselves with dignity and walked in peaceful ways supporting and sharing with one another. Chet kw’enmantúmiyap / We are grateful to each and every one of you.
This dictionary is the first published compilation by the Squamish Nation of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, one of ten Coast Salish languages. The Squamish peoples' traditional homeland includes the territory around Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, B.C.), Howe Sound, and the Squamish and Cheakamus river valleys. The Squamish Nation, while a critically endangered language community, remains a crucial voice of the Squamish. The language offers a view of modern daily life, and contains the historical record, protocols, laws, and concerns of generations of Squamish people.
This dictionary builds on over 100 years of documentation and research by Squamish speakers working with anthropologists and linguists, beginning in the late nineteenth century. The dictionary is also informed by Squamish elders who taught language classes in the 1960s. More recently, the Squamish Language Elders Advisory Group has been involved with the development of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim dictionary and has supported other language recovery initiatives.
Squamish language bilingual and bicultural education is offered in K3-Grade 1 in the Nation school. Additionally, more than 400 Squamish learners receive language instruction in K5-Grade 7 in public and independent schools; and in grades 8-12, students receive credit for the language to meet provincial high school requirements.
This important work is a reflection of current knowledge and is designed as a beginner's resource for a diverse audience of learners and scholars, as well as a tool for exploration.
Neḵ’ílus ta s7ulh temíxwiy̓eḵw / Our elders are wise. Smen̓álhwit, Áyatwaywit, Chénchen̓stwaywit / They carried themselves with dignity and walked in peaceful ways supporting and sharing with one another. Chet kw’enmantúmiyap / We are grateful to each and every one of you.
LIB.00318
Seattle, WA : University of Washington Press
2011
978-0-295-99022-4
Print and published material
Language and Linguistics, Reference
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, English
Media Room and Library
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