“Kuhaanti” means “orphan” in Lingit. The title is now the first children’s book written in the Lingit language, with no English translations -it’s the first book ever to have this kind of book in a long time. The book’s release date is Friday, at 5 p.m. The launch will include an event in The Juneau’s Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall.
University of Alaska Southeast language professor X’unei Lance Twitchell, who collaborated with master Lingit speakers to create the book, says that the absence in English translating serves two reasons.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”Very only a few people understand our language, and so it’s just one of the many ways to assist people in learning,” he said. It’s also a means “to elevate our language and to elevate it up to the level of saying”Our literature is strong enough to stand by itself.'”
Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and Goldbelt Heritage Institute are hosting the launch of the book. Twitchell reading the book aloud and the authors Gat The Xweech Nicholas Alan Foote and Jaaxsnee Kelsey Mata Foote will autograph copies for the attendees. Parents and children are invited to wear a costume.
“Kuhaanti” is the story of an child orphaned by Sahaan who is rescued by a mighty family and discovers the importance to respect.
In the year 2016, Twitchell began writing down this and eight other stories in collaboration with the master Lingit speaker Kaxwaan Eesh George Davis and Shakshaani Marge Dutson. Both of them have passed away since then. Twitchell declared that he wanted the product to be a tribute to their contributions “as amazing people who spoke and taught our languages.”
He believes that the absence in the English version of “Kuhaanti” could trigger uncomfortable feelings for a few readers.
“span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”Some of these will be rooted on concepts of racial supremacy and linguistic superiority, while other concepts will be tied to a longing for the possibility of speaking,” Twitchell said.
The author hopes for people who are feeling marginalized this book can encourage them to begin learning Lingit.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”We are now dependent upon the English spoken language.” Twitchell said. “‘We include the entire region — everyone who is a resident of Lingit Aani .”>
As such it is said that the idea is to offer every person who lives on Lingit land a book called “Kuhaanti.” At present, Tlingit and Haida and Goldbelt offer gratis copies to all tribe members to sign-up. sign up..
The other eight children’s stories are currently being developed.
