Sechelt language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sechelt |
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|---|---|
| Sháshíshálh | |
| Pronunciation | IPA: [ʃáʃíʃáɬ] |
| Native to | Canada |
| Region | British Columbia |
| Ethnicity | 1,200 Sechelt people (2014, FPCC) |
| Native speakers | 4 (2014, FPCC)e18 |
| Language family |
Salishan
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The Sechelt language, also known as Sháshíshálh or Shashishalhem (IPA: [ʃáʃíʃáɬəm]), is a special Coast Salish language. It is spoken by the Shishalh (Sechelt) people. They live along the Pacific Northwest Coast in what is now British Columbia, Canada. Their main communities are on the Sechelt Peninsula of the Sunshine Coast.
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Saving the Sechelt Language
The Sechelt language is very rare today. In 1999, fewer than 40 older people spoke it. By 2014, only about 4 fluent speakers remained. This means the language is considered "Critically Endangered."
Teaching the Language
Even though there are few fluent speakers, many teachers are working hard. They teach the Sechelt language to children from preschool up to high school. This helps new generations learn and use the language.
University Programs
Universities like UBC (University of British Columbia) in Vancouver and Okanagan offer language courses. These courses give students a chance to learn different languages. Shashishalhem is one of the important languages they can study.
Language Certificates
In 2014, a group called the Coastal Corridor Consortium created a special certificate. This certificate helps people learn the Sechelt Nation language. The Consortium works to help Indigenous people access education.
Language Family
The Sechelt language is part of a larger group called the Salishan language family. It is most closely related to other languages like Squamish, Halkomelem, and Nooksack. These languages share similar roots and sounds.
Reclaiming Words
Even though the Sechelt language is in danger, the Sechelt people are working hard to bring it back. With help from others, they have collected many words and phrases. They have reclaimed 603 phrases and 5659 words in total. This effort helps keep their language and culture alive.
