Sahuhlúkhane’ Ukwehuwenéha They Learned to Speak it Again: An Investigation into the Regeneration of the Oneida Language
Abstract
This study investigated the significance of the Oneida language to two groups of Oneida speakers and learners in the Onʌyota’á:ka’ Oneida Nation of the Thames community. This study’s research questions included: (1) What is the significance of Oneida language to Oneida adult language learners who are seeking to acquire the language and what are they doing to regenerate the language? (2) What is the significance of Oneida language to Oneida adults who are conversationally fluent in Oneida language and what are they doing to regenerate the language? (3) What does an investigation into my personal relationship with Oneida language reveal? The participants’ responses resulted in the following themes: a) intergenerational language use b) cultural meaning and ties to identity, c) Oneida youth, d) language community, and e) language regeneration/ revitalization practices. The findings of this research highlights the importance of Oneida language to learners, speakers and the entire Oneida community.