On Friday, July 25th, members of the lab were joined by Mandy Jimmie, John Haugen, and Rhiannon to test out ultrasound imaging for distinguishing tongue shape and movement of different sounds in nɬeʔkepmxcín.

We focused on comparing velar vs.  uvular sounds and saw noticeable differences between the two in different word positions. We hope to be able to use this technology in the future to record fluent speakers of nɬeʔkepmxcín, giving learners the ability to see how sounds are produced.

This visit wouldn’t have been possible with out the help of the UBC Integrated Speech Research Lab and, in particular, research assistant Marija Cvetkovic.

The 60th International Conference on Salish and Neighbouring Languages took place July 22 to 24. The conference was hosted in partnership with The University of the Fraser Valley and the Stó:lō Shxwelí Halq̓eméylem Language Program.

The lab presented a variety of work focussed on nɬeʔkepmxcín:  five papers and four talks on various topics. Speakers kʷaɬtèzetkʷuʔ (Bernice Garcia) and Mandy Jimmie were both in attendance and added their voices to the lab’s presentation about our ongoing ISI (Indigenous Strategic Initiatives at UBC) project in a talk titled “Transcribing nɬeʔkepmxcín Stories and Conversations.” The three days were full of reflection on the history of ICSNL and what we all hope to see for the future of the conference.

Lab members Brent Hall (centre) and Danica Reid (right), alongside collaborator Dr. Gloria Mellesmoen (left), present their paper The long schwa paper: stressed schwa epenthesis in nɬeʔkepmxcín (with lab member Noah Luntzlara (not present)).

Lab member Reed Steiner presents his paper nɬeʔkepmxcín somatic suffixes.

In June, a few lab members presented projects involving nɬeʔkepmxcín at the annual conference of the Canadian Linguistics Association (CLA) in Montreal.

Danica presented on aspiration in nɬeʔkepmxcín and how Zoom recording affects audio quality compared to in-person recording.

Danica, Ella and Lisa represented the lab at the special session on ‘Transcription challenges for Indigenous languages’.  They discussed our work on stories and conversations, and got feedback on some of the tricky decisions around things like marking intonation.

Lab member Danica Reid presents at the CLA annual conference.

In May, a few lab members were able to get a quick trip to Merritt in!  First they met with speakers kʷaɬtəzétkʷu and Mandy Jimmie at the Coldwater School, doing some language work together and listening to the students recite prayers about the Four Food Chiefs.  Later they had a chance to meet up with kʷaɬtəzétkʷu again for coffee and a bit more language work.  It’s always great to get to see one another in person!

UBC students Bruce Oliver (L) and Ella Hannon (R) catch up with kʷaɬtəzétkʷu (centre) at Valley Graze café in Merritt.

In March, a group of lab members went on a  trip to Lytton and Merritt.

We stopped in with speaker Bev Phillips in Lytton, asking questions for ongoing projects about the sounds and grammar of the language as well as recording a story she had written.

In Merritt, we had lunch with speakers kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia and c̓úʔsinek Marty Aspinall at the western end of Nicola Lake. We shared canned salmon, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables, while KBG and CMA shared stories with us in English and nɬeʔkepmxcín.

On the final day of our trip, we had a big meeting with the speakers we work with and members of Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, where we talked about the conversations that have been recorded, transcribed, glossed, and translated, and how we might go about publishing them. 

Lab members with kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia at Nicola Lake. (L-R: Cayla Smith, Ella Hannon, Bruce Oliver, kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia, and Reed Steiner).

In November 2024, several representatives from the lab presented at UBC Linguistics’ Flash Talks Event.  We gave a rapidfire three-minute update about all the work we have been up to since the spring, including a whole bunch of newly-published research and newly-recorded conversations and stories.

Thanks to everyone who came out and, as always, to our language consultants who make our work possible.

Nɬab team members (L-R: Bailey, Anna, Reed, Noah, Ella, and Danica) give a (very!) brief update to the rest of the UBC Linguistics department.

In October 2024, a few lab members headed back to nɬeʔképmx territory to work with some of our language consultants.  In Merritt, they recorded more conversational speech with c̓úʔsinek and kʷaɬtəzétkʷu.  This is part of our ongoing project to gather and share conversations and stories in the language, funded by an ISI grant from UBC.  The work took place at CNA headquarters and at Coldwater School — thanks as always to our hosts!  And, of course, our gratitude goes to the speakers for sharing their language with us.

Some students along for the trip made the most of the journey by also recording some Secwepemctsín speakers in Skeetchestn and Williams Lake!

Two beautiful views of Merritt from Sander’s runs!

In September 2024, several lab members went to Merritt to attend the 2024 Language & Culture Móqʷix hosted by Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly.  We got to listen to and learn from many presentations, meet and visit with our consultants and other community members, and just enjoy hearing lots of nɬeʔkpemxcín being spoken.  A highlight was hearing Iona and Aaron Sumexheltza talk about their creative efforts to pass the language on to their (grand-)children.

We also hosted two discussion circles where we shared a bit about our work, and heard others’ thoughts on the topic of language documentation.  It was especially meaningful to hear our consultants discuss the importance of recording their language.  We are very grateful to them and everyone else who spoke to us with such honesty and care.

Thank you to CNA for organizing — we look forward to next year!

In June 2024, there was another trip to the Interior for a few lab members who couldn’t make the spring trip.

First, we stopped in Lytton, BC to see speaker Bev Phillips.  We got to visit together, record a story, and do some targeted elicitation (demonstratives! embedded questions! evidentials!).

As usual, we also headed to Merritt, BC, to see speakers C̓úʔsinek Marty Aspinall and Kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia.  This marks our first elicitation session in a sushi restaurant.

Thanks everyone — until next time!

Student Brent Hall records another original story from Bev Phillips.

Student Cayla Smith brings hard-hitting questions about evidentials for Bev Phillips.

Student Reed Steiner investigates demonstratives with Bev Phillips.

Professor Lisa Matthewson gets to the bottom of embedded questions with Bev Phillips.

In April 2024, a few of our lab members embarked on a trip to Nɬeʔképmx territory for some in-person elicitation sessions, and to visit with our speakers and collaborators.

First, we were in Merritt, BC.  We visited and worked with speakers C̓úʔsinek Marty Aspinall and Kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia.  We also had a meeting with our collaborators Mandy Jimmie and Aaron Sumexheltza (and son!).

Next, we headed to Lytton, BC.  There, we met with another speaker, Bev Phillips.

It’s always such a treat to get to see our friends in person.  Kʷúkʷstéyp for your time and energy in welcoming us!

Students (from left) Anna Stacey, Ella Hannon, Sander Nederveen, and Noah Luntzlara in Lytton with speaker Bev Philliips.

Bev Phillips answers questions on subject raising from Anna Stacey.