Let’s Learn X̱aad Kíl: The Language Saga Continues
Embark on a new chapter of language learning with “Let’s Learn X̱aad Kíl,” an innovative tool designed for those eager to dive into the rich heritage of the Alaskan Haida dialect, X̱aad Kíl. As I continue my journey as a learner, I am thrilled to share my discoveries and the visual connections I’ve made with Haida words. I am not of Haida heritage, but I still want Haida learners to have all sorts of tools and games at their disposal. This app serves as a bridge for self-study enthusiasts and supports educators by providing ready-to-use linguistic resources.
Enhanced Features of Let’s Learn X̱aad Kíl:
Visual Learning: Each Haida word is paired with a carefully selected image to enhance recall and understanding. These are either vectorstock images or AI generated images.
Dictionary Search: Utilize the real-time search feature to explore words in the dictionary, with easy navigation to the glossary under the Haida alphabet tabs.
Verb Search: Access a comprehensive list of verbs and their forms, ideal for detailed verb studies and finding specific variants.
Interactive Games: Engage with various language games including a word find, 2D concept matching, 3D hidden object games, and memory matching to reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way.
3D Interactive Area: Walk around in a fully immersive 3D environment, practicing simple call and response conversations to apply your learning in real-world scenarios.
Audio-Free Experience: Focusing on visual learning, this version is currently released without audio (aside from the alphabet widget). Until I seek help from the experts, I have no plan to insert Haida cues as I need to go back to Tlingit and start climbing that mountain.
A Personal Journey & Commitment:
My Tlingit name is Da Ka Xeen, born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, with deep roots in the Children of All Nations Dance Group under the leadership of Vicki Soboleff and the amazing Assistant group leaders who had to deal with me (Catherine, Renee, Linda). I am a Goldbelt/Sealaska shareholder and every time I received a distribution I bought more picture references for these projects. I am a tribal citizen of Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. These experiences have fueled my passion for not only learning but also sharing our indigenous languages and making them accessible. It is because of these groups of individuals that I have roots to go back to and I am eternally grateful. The cambridge handbook on endangered languages indicates to me that we are on track, in terms of progressing from endangered to these languages will stand the test of time and flourish, to moving from analog to digital and I am hoping my apps can help assist in that process.
The Tlingit and Haida CBS Healing Center has been the most instrumental in my personal and cultural identity journey, inspiring me to not only contribute positively and return to our tribal community and my roots, but to also find healing and comfort in the learning process itself. “Let’s Learn X̱aad Kíl” embodies this spirit of giving back, combining my learnings with a practical tool for others. Haw’aa for helping me find myself during our weekly therapy sessions and taking this from “my secret garden” to “a public park that all can enjoy.”
Disclaimer:
I have diligently worked to categorize and present the Haida language in a lexical format. While every effort has been made for accuracy, this is a journey of continuous improvement. Updates and corrections will be made as needed to ensure the highest quality of learning material.
SOURCES USED:
Book – “Dictionary Of Alaskan Haida”, Dr. J. Lachler
Book – “Alaska Haida Phrasebook”, Dr. E. Lawrence
Until I know more about the dialects and which sources to pull from, I am sticking with Sealaska Heritage books they sell as those are tried and true for what I am trying to accomplish.
Join Us:
This app is more than just a learning tool; it’s a companion in your journey to uncover the nuances of X̱aad Kíl. Together, let’s keep the saga of learning and cultural exploration alive. Your journey into the Haida language starts here, and I am here to learn and explore right alongside you. Also, not a competitive person so if you are building something language related and want a good head start, please reach out and I will do my best to help you. The goal is making the languages more accessible and sharing tabular data can go a long way.
Haw’aa for considering walking this path with me. Let’s embrace the language and do everything in our power to create tools for endangered languages.