Doyon Foundation is pleased to announce that a language-learning course in Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana) is now available in Doyon Languages Online. With the release of Nee’aanèegn’, all courses developed for Doyon Languages Online under the original grant funding are now available. Courses are accessible for free to all interested language learners; find more information and sign up at doyonfoundation.com/dlo.
About the course
The Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana) course provides learners with an opportunity to learn in a fun and comfortable online environment. There are 12 units with up to six lessons per unit. It includes an alphabet course, conversational videos, practice activities in speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as information on Upper Tanana grammar and culture.
About Nee‘aanèegn‘ (Upper Tanana)
Nee’aanèegn’ means “our words” in the Upper Tanana language. Tth’iitu’ Niign (Not Clear Water) is name for the Tanana River that begins at the confluence of the Nabesna and Chisana Rivers. Upper Tanana communities include K’ehtthiign (Fish Camp), Naambia (Northway), Teełąy (Tetlin), Tok and Beaver Creek (in the Yukon Territory).
About the course developers
Upper Tanana community members came together from near and far to make their contributions to this course. Focused work sessions were held in Northway, Tok and Fairbanks, and team members brought their best knowledge to share with learners.
The course developers include Elders and content creators Cora Demit, Glen Demit, Avis Sam, Roy Sam, Polly Hyslop, Ruth Johnny, David Johnny, Sr., Cheryl Silas and Lorraine Titus, as well as linguistic consultants Olga Lovick and John Ritter. Special recognition to the late Elders Sherry Demit Barnes and Rosa Brewer, whose contributions were invaluable to the development of the Upper Tanana course.
Additional acknowledgements
Additional thanks go to current and past Doyon Foundation staff Allan Diton Hayton, Myles Creed, Deloole’aanh Erickson, Doris Miller and Tiffany Simmons, as well as Transparent Language, 7000 Languages and Doyon, Limited. This course was funded by the U.S. Department of Education Alaska Native Education Program, grant # S356A170021.
About 7000 Languages
7000 Languages empowers communities around the world to teach, learn and sustain their endangered languages. They are a 501(c)(3) public charity whose vision is one where all communities have the resources and opportunities to reclaim, strengthen and revitalize their languages.
About Doyon Languages Online
Through Doyon Languages Online, Doyon Foundation is working to increase the number of people who can speak the endangered Native languages of the Doyon region. Courses include:
- Benhti Kokhut’ana Kenaga’ (Lower Tanana)
- Deg Xinag
- Denaakk’e (Koyukon)
- Dihthaad Xt’een Iin Aanděeg’ (Tanacross)
- Dinak’i (Upper Kuskokwim)
- Dinjii Zhuh K’yaa (Gwich’in)
- Doogh Qinag (Holikachuk)
- Hän (Doyon Languages Online course, plus special memorial course based on the work of the late Isaac Juneby)
- Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana)
Doyon Languages Online courses are available for free to all interested learners. Students can sign up and access the courses from a desktop or laptop computer, or via the Transparent Language app available for both Apple and Android mobile devices and tablets.
For more information on the Doyon Languages Online, please visit doyonfoundation.com/dlo or contact 907.459.2048 or foundation@doyon.com. For assistance signing up for or using Doyon Languages Online, view the instructional video series on YouTube.
Tsen’įį!