#United States #Oklahoma #Rosetta Stone #Choctaw Nation #language preservation

A Historic Partnership

In a significant move for cultural preservation, Rosetta Stone has partnered with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to support the revitalization of the Choctaw language. The Choctaw language, or Chahta anumpa, is more than just a means of communication; it embodies the identity, values, and traditions of the Choctaw people. This partnership aims to provide innovative digital resources that allow members of the Choctaw Nation to learn their language in an immersive, engaging manner.

The Importance of Language

Language is intrinsically tied to culture and community. For the Choctaw, speaking Chahta anumpa links individuals to their ancestors and fosters a sense of identity. According to Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation, "When we speak Chahta, our ancestors speak through us... This partnership is an act of love for our people and a promise to keep our culture alive for generations to come."

Fostering Unity Through Language

The Choctaw Nation is recognized as the third-largest Indian nation in the United States, with a membership of over 230,000 individuals. The community has maintained resilience through centuries, notably surviving the harrowing Trail of Tears. The language has historically served as a unifying force among tribal members, making the preservation of Chahta anumpa essential for cultural sovereignty and identity.

Addressing the Challenges of Language Loss

Like many Indigenous languages, Chahta anumpa is at risk as the number of fluent speakers diminishes. The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgency of revitalization efforts. Rosetta Stone’s collaboration seeks to reverse this trend, enabling Choctaw citizens across various locations, including outside of Oklahoma, to reconnect with their heritage by learning their native language. By offering accessible digital resources, this initiative aims to empower younger generations to embrace their linguistic roots.

Incorporating Community Voices

The development of the planned immersive course will involve contributions from the Choctaw community itself. Authentic voices, cultural imagery, and context will be integrated into the learning materials, ensuring that lessons resonate with daily life and ancestral traditions. Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning, Rosetta Stone’s parent company, remarked on the personal significance of language: "Language connects us to family, history, and place. Through our Endangered Languages Program, we are honored to work alongside the Choctaw Nation to protect not just words but the identities and cultures they carry."

A Legacy of Cultural Strength

The Choctaw Nation prides itself on its ability to preserve its rich oral tradition, which dates back over 13,000 years. This has shaped their collective vision, emphasizing faith, family, and culture as central tenets of their community. Moving forward, the partnership with Rosetta Stone reflects a commitment to not only teaching the language but also maintaining its integral role in the community’s identity.

Conclusion

As the Choctaw Nation and Rosetta Stone embark on this collaborative journey, the hope is that learning Chahta anumpa will inspire a revival of culture and strengthen ties to the past. Through innovative education methods, this partnership seeks to ensure that future generations can say "Halito" (hello) and, just as importantly, "Chi pi̱sa la chike" (until we meet again), by engaging with their language and heritage for years to come.