Carrier Linguistic Committee facts for kids

The Carrier Linguistic Society (CLS) is a special group that helps keep the Carrier language strong. It's a not-for-profit organization for First Nations people in British Columbia, Canada. It started in 1973 and has an office and online presence in Fort St. James. The CLS works hard to make sure the Carrier language and culture continue for future generations.

What the Carrier Linguistic Society Does

When the Carrier Linguistic Society was first created, they set out clear goals for their work. These goals guide everything they do to support the Carrier language and culture.

Helping People Learn

• They create programs to help Carrier people learn to read and write their language.
• They make learning materials like books, guides, and tools for students and teachers.
• They train people to become teachers of the Carrier language.
• They help create jobs for language experts and teachers.

Protecting Culture and Language

• They work to keep the unique Athabaskan culture of the Carrier people alive and strong.
• They publish many books and stories in the Carrier language when they have enough money.
• They share information with everyone about the projects they are working on.

Working with Schools and Universities

• They help schools add Carrier language and culture studies to their lessons.
• They set high standards for the quality of learning materials and for teachers.
• They encourage young Carrier people to go to college and have good careers.

The Carrier Linguistic Society is well-known for creating the writing system used for the Carrier language. This system uses letters similar to the English alphabet. It is the most popular way to write the Dakelh/Carrier language today.

The CLS has also published many dictionaries. These books help people learn both Carrier and English. They are used for learning the language in classrooms and by people who want to learn on their own. They also have many Carrier stories and texts that help people learn the language. These books are available in different Carrier dialects. You can buy many of these books, CDs, DVDs, songbooks, and storybooks at the CLS bookstore in Fort St. James.

The Carrier Linguistic Society has also worked with Nak'azdli Elders and the First Peoples' Cultural Council. Together, they created an online platform called FirstVoices. This website helps people save, teach, and learn the Dakelh language online. The CLS has also helped create and teach Carrier language classes in eight local schools. They even worked with the University of Northern British Columbia to create a special diploma program. This program helps people get a degree in First Nations Language and Culture, focusing on Dakelh/Carrier.

Publications by the CLS

The Carrier Linguistic Society and its earlier form, the Carrier Linguistic Committee, have published many important books and materials. Here are a few examples:

• Antoine, Francesca (1974). Central Carrier bilingual dictionary. This dictionary helps people learn both Carrier and English.
• Wilkinson, David B (1975). Nak'azdli Bughuni, 1: workbook. This workbook helps students practice the Nak'azdli dialect of Carrier.
• Austin, Ileen (1977). Ts'oodunne Hik'uyalhduk-i = [Children's stories] book one. This book contains stories for children.
• Rossetti, Bernadette (1983). Kw'eh ts'u haíndene = The descendents of Kwah. This book tells the story of Kwah's family.
• Walker, Shirley (1985). Nek'uyalhduk-i = Our language. This book is about the Carrier language.
• Carrier Linguistic Society (2005). Carrier prayer and hymn book. This book contains prayers and songs in Carrier.
• Walker, Shirley (2007). Historical Sketch of the Carrier Linguistic Society. This book tells the history of the CLS.