Language immersion has always fascinated me since I began teaching French Immersion.  However, I realize that “true immersion” is hard to come by.  Unless we are the only ones surrounded by the new language, it is extremely hard to escape the influences of English.  While searching for topics for my weblogs, I discovered that a small elementary school in Chase, B.C.  has been offering Secwepemc (Shuswap) immersion.  I immediately was intrigued.   Secwepemc is also the local language spoken here in the Cariboo.

After hearing stories firsthand of the disastrous consequences of the residential schools, I realized that the Shuswap Nation’s culture and language acquisition were threatened to almost extinction. Generations were literally skipped, robbing them of their aboriginal tongues and traditions.

Slowly, as the memories of the horrors of residential schools are left behind, the Shuswap are taking pride in learning their own language and regaining their identity through their culture.  What I would like to look into for my research is whether it will ever be possible for the Shuswap Nation to be fluent in Secwepemc again.  By using podcasts and recordings of elders, will they be able to acquire the language knowledge of their ancestors?

Reference

http://thetyee.ca/News/2011/09/06/Chief-Atahm-Elementary-School/