Lesson #3

As I mentioned last week, I have decided to change my learning approach from a linguistic-based learning style to a communicative-based method. That is, I will use the language structure text as a reference when I want to know more about a particular form. My primary language learning resource is now online materials, particularly these sites:

http://hemi.nyu.edu/cuaderno/yoeme/content.html

http://www.native-languages.org/yaqui.htm

The first is wonderful! I can read the same passage in Yaqui, English or Spanish. I think this site will be a good resources for learning phrases and complete sentences. On the other hand, the second site is more for individual vocabulary words (i.e. body parts, numbers, daily use terms).

This week I concentrated on individual vocabulary words and I will build up to complete sentences. I feel more comfortable learning with the new approach; learning through linguistics seemed like a daunting task. Using a more realistic means of learning, I believe I will better be able to concentrate my studying/learning to what will be useful to me.

Here are some new words:

Man = Takaa
Woman = Hamut

Black = Chukui
White - Tosai
Turquoise = Toloko
Red = Siki

See second site above for more new words I learned, including numbers, colors, and body parts (in case I injure myself!).

This week I also found myself reading up (in English) on the Yaqui culture and history. I remember doing an oral report on the Yaqui in my high school AP Spanish class. I recall it being about the legend of the "long-haired Yaqui." I should look for some more information on that folktale. Otherwise, I have read much about Yaqui relations (or lack thereof) with the Mexican government, their migration to the north (into the US), their religious affiliation and how it guides their traditions (especially among the Pascua Yaqui in AZ), and their famous Deer Songs.

Lesson #3: Be realistic.

Looking back at my first set of goals, including my goals for proficiency, they seemed unattainable by the end of 10 weeks. I have since adjusted them to be more attainable. Additionally, thinking about my actual use of Yaqui in the future, I believe speaking will be the primary function. Reading up on the Yaqui, it seems many native speakers are not literate (reading/writing) in their Yaqui L1- this is for the Sonoran Yaqui, I am unsure about the Pascua Yaqui. Therefore, I will not need much reading ability expect for academic purposed (however, it is unlikely I will attain that level of proficiency by the end of 10 weeks, maybe after a couple years). Writing, though possible not necessary for practical use, is essential to me for my learning process. I absolutely have to write vocabulary words out (and it cannot be typed, actually written with a pen and paper) to recall it later.

Being realistic about my current and prospective proficiency and actual language use is an important step in my language learning process. It has helped re-direct and guide my learning habits/method in order to (hopefully) better achieve my goals.