Let's get learning!

Welcome to the introductory course for Secwepemctsín, the language of the Secwepemc people. This course is specifically tailored for new beginner speakers who are starting with zero-to-little experience in Secwepemctsín. Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation in the language, enabling you to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Secwepemc community.

This course follows a 21-day daily practice approach, designed to progressively build your skills and confidence. Over the span of these 21 days, you'll become comfortable speaking fundamental daily greetings, introducing yourself to others, and even engaging in a brief traditional prayer in Secwepemctsín. Our aim is to empower you with the ability to communicate effectively in these essential aspects of the language.

Whether you're interested in connecting with your roots, exploring a new culture, or simply expanding your linguistic horizons, this course is a welcoming starting point. Let's embark on this language-learning journey together and unlock the beauty and depth of Secwepemctsín.

Objective:

Our goal is simple yet profound – by the end of these 21 days, you will master the correct pronunciation of Secwepemctsín sounds and learn how to articulate them effectively.

Alphabets Explained:

In this course, we will delve into the intricacies of Secwepemctsín sounds, emphasizing the physical aspects of mouth and throat movement. We will cover how each letter sounds in Secwepemctsín, providing words associated with each sound.

Alphabet Chart:

Here is our alphabet chart:

Categorization:

To make your learning journey smooth, we've grouped the sounds into three categories:

• English Sounding Letters: Familiar sounds that resemble English.
• Non-English Letters: Distinctive sounds unique to Secwepemctsín.
• Fricatives and Glottalized Sounds: Uniquely formed consonant sounds.

Note on Progress:
As you advance, you'll notice that Secwepemctsín contains consonant clusters, which will gradually become fluid and natural as you become more proficient.

Greetings and Introductions:

We'll introduce you to common phrases and salutations, enabling you to confidently introduce yourself and engage in meaningful conversations with both groups and elders. By the end of this section, you'll master the art of expressing who you are, where you're from, your family background, and more.

Salutations and Key Vocabulary:

Expand your linguistic horizons by delving into local jargon and essential "Secwepemc" words, each with its unique context for polite usage. Through this, you'll be well-equipped to communicate effectively and respectfully.

Oral Proficiency and Understanding:

Throughout this course, your understanding of Secwepemctsín will be assessed through oral exercises. While there's no traditional grading system, you'll have the opportunity to meet with an instructor to gauge your progress based on oral proficiency.

We're here to provide a learning experience rooted in cultural heritage and linguistic connection. By joining this journey, you're embracing the beauty and depth of Secwepemctsín, and we're excited to have you as part of this transformative experience.