Concerning a recent article in the Pacific Daily News titled, “Create environments for CHamoru to thrive,” there are many things that have to occur before we see this come into creation.
Creating an environment where the CHamoru language can thrive demands a multifaceted approach, intertwining efforts from educational systems, community engagement, media and technology innovations, supportive governmental policies, diligent research, and international collaborations.
The urgency of preserving the CHamoru language, as articulated by Laura Torres Souder, calls for an integration of the language into the fabric of daily life in Guam and the Mariana Islands, ensuring it remains a vibrant conduit of cultural identity and heritage.
To foster this environment, educational initiatives are paramount. This includes the implementation of bilingual education programs, where CHamoru is both a subject and a medium of instruction, and the integration of CHamoru culture, history, and language across all subjects.
Equally important is the training and incentivization of educators to teach CHamoru, addressing the critical need for qualified language teachers.
Community engagement through cultural events that celebrate CHamoru traditions, alongside language workshops and mentorship programs, will further embed the language within the social fabric.
These programs aim not just at preserving traditional practices but at making the CHamoru language a living, evolving form of communication among all age groups.
Media and technology also play a crucial role in language revitalization. Supporting CHamoru-language media outlets, utilizing social media for language challenges, and developing educational apps and games can engage younger generations and provide accessible learning tools. These digital platforms can help connect CHamoru speakers worldwide, creating a global community of learners and fluent speakers.
Government and policy support are critical for the language’s survival, calling for the recognition of CHamoru as an official language, securing funding for language programs, and ensuring public services are available in CHamoru. This not only legitimizes the language’s status but also ensures its practical utility in public life.
Research and documentation efforts are essential for preserving the language for future generations. Projects aimed at recording the CHamoru language, including its various dialects, and creating digital archives of oral histories and cultural practices will serve as invaluable resources for both researchers and the public.
Lastly, international collaboration with organizations and indigenous groups facing similar challenges can offer shared strategies and resources, highlighting the global nature of indigenous language preservation efforts.
The revitalization of the CHamoru language is a complex endeavor requiring commitment from all sectors of society. By weaving the language into education, community life, media, government policy, and leveraging technology and international support, we can ensure that CHamoru remains a vibrant and living language, bridging generations and encapsulating the rich cultural heritage of the CHamoru people.
As emphasized by Souder, the time to act is now, with a collective and determined effort essential to the language’s survival and flourishing.
Joaquin L. Taguacta is a resident of Mangilao.
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