When we speak our ancestral languages, we embrace, reinforce and better understand our way of life. The Long Island Algonquian Revitalization Project seeks to reclaim the long-neglected indigenous languages of Long Island. With the support of Stony Brook University, we offer online classes and learning resources that include a dictionary, a library, databases and other tools that can be used by community learners and the academic community alike. Our ultimate goal is to create communities of fluent speakers.
Overview:
In keeping with the oral tradition of our people, we believe that the best way to begin learning Long Island Algonquian is to simply listen. This website presents introductory words and phrases in visual and audio formats that help students pronounce and grasp elements of the LI Algonquian dialect.
During the school year, we provide classes for matriculated students and community learners. We also offer summer classes. Our courses include vocabulary, pronunciation, conjugation and grammar. Students thus obtain a level of literacy in our Long Island Algonkian languages that allows them to engage in conversations, gain basic writing/reading skills and share their knowledge with their respective communities.
Students receive study materials, including our Algonquian-to-English and English-to-Algonquian glossaries that provide dialect words and phrases and basic conjugation. It is regularly updated with additional words and phrases as we reclaim them.
Join us!