Learning Lakȟótiyapi
Learning Lakȟótiyapi
Introduction
Háu mitákuyepi, taŋyáŋ yahípi. – Hello everyone! It is good that you came!
We are glad you found us, and we are excited that you are part of the Lakȟótiyapi – learning movement. Lakȟótiyapi is critical for strengthening Lakȟóta community connections. Reawakening Lakȟótiyapi relies on you learning the language and passing it down to young people.
As a new language learner, you will find an abundance of resources to help you learn in various ways. Since 2004 Lakota Language Consortium has been a trusted partner for learners by providing self and group study materials alongside live/virtual events.
This page was created as a guide to help you navigate the resources and identify your preferred learning method. Before you get started, think back to the last time you learned something completely new;
- Did you enjoy working on your own, or did the accountability and support of a community help you the most?
- Was it helpful to have all the materials at your fingertips? Or do you prefer to learn a little at a time with others?
- Have you connected with a book you can read at home, or do you absorb information through conversations?
Tailor your journey to find the Lakota learning path that best suits your needs. To meet our mission of adding more Lakota language learners, we need folks like you to invest and dedicate the time to learn. The comprehensive and sequenced language materials will help you along the way.
We look forward to supporting you on your language-learning journey as you find out what learning path best suits you!
Introduction
Háu mitákuyepi, taŋyáŋ yahípi. – Hello everyone! It is good that you came!
We are glad you found us, and we are excited that you are part of the Lakȟótiyapi (Lakota Language) – learning movement. Lakȟótiyapi is critical for strengthening Lakȟóta community connections. Reawakening Lakȟótiyapi relies on you learning the language and passing it down to young people.
As a new language learner, you will find an abundance of resources to help you learn in various ways. Since 2004 Lakota Language Consortium has been a trusted partner for learners by providing self and group study materials alongside live/virtual events.
This page was created as a guide to help you navigate the resources and identify your preferred learning method. Before you get started, think back to the last time you learned something completely new;
- Did you enjoy working on your own, or did the accountability and support of a community help you the most?
- Was it helpful to have all the materials at your fingertips? Or do you prefer to learn a little at a time with others?
- Have you connected with a book you can read at home, or do you absorb information through conversations?
Tailor your journey to find the Lakota learning path that best suits your needs. To meet our mission of adding more Lakota language learners, we need folks like you to invest and dedicate the time to learn. The comprehensive and sequenced language materials will help you along the way.
We look forward to supporting you on your language-learning journey as you find out what learning path best suits you!
Two Paths to
Learning Lakota
Self-Study
LLC’s wide variety of language materials and media resources allow the individual learners to create their own course of study regardless of age or experience. Explore the self-study options below and choose those that best fit your learning style.
- Expand and improve your vocabulary with the New Lakota Dictionary printed or online version.
- Pick up key conversational phrases with the LLC’s Practical Conversation Course.
- Focus on pronunciation with the LLC audio CDs or media player app to accompany the textbooks and picture books.
- Watch the Lakota Berenstain Bears episodes, available for free on YouTube or for purchase on DVD. This series provides a chance to listen to and learn from spoken Lakota.
- Read & Write in Lakota with the LLC textbook series and grammar handbook include valuable lessons for studying both subjects.
- Install the Lakota keyboard and font package, which makes typing in Lakota easier as you learn.
- Download one of LLC’s Lakota apps, such as the Vocab Builder app or Owóksape, so you can learn and practice Lakota on your phone or tablet anywhere you go.
- Keep practicing! Enforce what you are learning by practicing in your downtime.
Setting achievable targets in a reasonable time frame will help you stay motivated to keep learning. Consider aiming for the ability to say a prayer after three weeks of study or to talk about your day in Lakota by the end of the month. Or try setting the target of speaking about your life and work in two months and being conversational within six months. Be specific and realistic about what you want and when you want it.
Also, consider these questions
What motivates you to learn Lakota?
Who do you hope to speak Lakota with?
Do you hope to pass the language onto your children?
We learn Lakȟótiyapi for many reasons. Knowing your priorities will help you focus on studying and set goals. Tailor your self-study path to focus on what would be most beneficial. If you want to connect with a grandparent, your approach will differ from someone who wants to start speaking Lakota at home with their child. We learn Lakota for many reasons: to connect with our ancestors, develop our minds, challenge ourselves, or, in the case of many of us, reawaken this beautiful language.
Ask yourself why you want to learn Lakota
Do you want to be a fluent speaker?
Do you wish to be able to read and write in Lakota?
Are you more interested in learning conversational Lakota?
You won’t achieve perfect fluency in just a few months of self-study. At some point, you will have the desire to engage in our virtual or in-person events. If you are nervous about speaking Lakota aloud, try incorporating a few words into your social media posts or texts. Bringing these simple Lakota phrases into your environment will help you integrate Lakota into your everyday life.
Practice writing words.
Label objects around you.
Designate a room in your home to only speak Lakota.
Also, as you progress through your journey to fluency, you may be tempted to measure your progress in an academic context of pass/fail. Avoid this thinking; it will only undermine your confidence in your language skills. Research has shown that Indigenous, place-based methods make learning Lakota easier. If you find yourself confused, try going outside or spending time with family, or engaging with other Lakota language learners. The best way to learn is when it feels most natural.
Self-Study
LLC’s wide variety of language materials and media resources allow the individual learners to create their own course of study regardless of age or experience. Explore the self-study options below and choose those that best fit your learning style.
- Expand and improve your vocabulary with the New Lakota Dictionary printed or online version.
- Pick up key conversational phrases with the LLC’s Practical Conversation Course.
- Focus on pronunciation with the LLC audio CDs or media player app to accompany the textbooks and picture books.
- Watch the Lakota Berenstain Bears episodes, available for free on YouTube or for purchase on DVD. This series provides a chance to listen to and learn from spoken Lakota.
- Read & Write in Lakota with the LLC textbook series and grammar handbook include valuable lessons for studying both subjects.
- Install the Lakota keyboard and font package, which makes typing in Lakota easier as you learn.
- Download one of LLC’s Lakota apps, such as the Vocab Builder app or Owóksape, so you can learn and practice Lakota on your phone or tablet anywhere you go.
- Keep practicing! Enforce what you are learning by practicing in your downtime.
Setting achievable targets in a reasonable time frame will help you stay motivated to keep learning. Consider aiming for the ability to ask for directions after three weeks of study or to order food in Lakota by the end of the month. Or try setting the target of speaking about your life and work in two months and being conversational within six months. Be specific and realistic about what you want and when you want it.
Also, consider these questions
What motivates you to learn Lakota?
Who do you hope to speak Lakota with?
Do you hope to pass the language onto your children?
We learn Lakȟótiyapi for many reasons. Knowing your priorities will help you focus on studying and set goals. Tailor your self-study path to focus on what would be most beneficial. If you want to connect with a grandparent, your approach will differ from someone who wants to start speaking Lakota at home with their child. We learn Lakota for many reasons: to connect with our ancestors, develop our minds, challenge ourselves, or, in the case of many of us, reawaken this meaningful language.
Ask yourself why you want to learn Lakota
Do you want to be a fluent speaker?
Do you wish to be able to read and write in Lakota?
Are you more interested in learning conversational Lakota?
You won’t achieve perfect fluency in just a few months of self-study. At some point, you will have the desire to engage in our virtual or in-person events. If you are nervous about speaking Lakota aloud, try incorporating a few words into your social media posts or texts. Bringing these simple Lakota phrases into your environment will help you integrate Lakota into your everyday life.
Practice writing words.
Label objects around you.
Designate a room in your home to only speak Lakota.
Also, as you progress through your journey to fluency, you may be tempted to measure your progress in an academic context of pass/fail. Avoid this thinking; it will only undermine your confidence in your language skills. Research has shown that Indigenous, place-based methods make learning Lakota easier. If you find yourself confused, try going outside or spending time with family, or engaging with other Lakota language learners. The best way to learn is when it feels most natural.
Group-Study
Speaking with other learners will allow you to make significant progress in your Lakota language journey. Lakota Summer Institute and Virtual Language Weekends are a unique opportunity to meet other learners and explore conversational topics. Learn how you can find an online class or a local event to expand your Lakota language experience.
There are two annual Lakota language weekend events called Lakota Summer Institute (LSI). Since 2007, over 250 teachers from more than eight reservations and ten states have participated in classes covering second language pedagogy and Lakota linguistics.
Lakota Summer Institute South (LSI South) held at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Both LSI North and LSI South offer opportunities for Lakota language learners and teachers to learn together. In addition to intensive language instruction, including intensive beginner and intermediate language classes, both institutes also offer professional development courses for Lakota language teachers.
Lakota Summer Institutes (LSI) allow Lakota people and those passionate about the language to come together to learn Lakȟótiyapi. It’s incredible to gather groups from across Lakota Country for a common purpose. Participants reconnect with peers, mentors, and friends from past Institutes, creating an ideal Lakota learning community – bound together their investment in reawakening the Lakota language.
Lakota Language Weekends are designed to provide a deep dive into the Lakota language. These two-day courses offer beginner, intermediate and advanced students time and space to practice essential skills with other language learners at their level.
Events are held on Saturday and Sunday and are taught by experienced instructors using best-practice Indigenous pedagogy to engage students in the Lakota language and culture.
In 2020 we added a series of virtual events, which helped us understand how many folks we can reach online. Click here to see the highlights.
To be notified of future events, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook.
LLC, its partner organizations, Tribal colleges, and universities nationwide are offering an increasing number of Lakota language courses and programs. You can take individual courses, enter a program to learn and teach Lakota, or get involved in graduate study and research. Check out the opportunities on our Lakota learning timeline.
Sitting Bull College (SBC) currently offers bachelor’s degree programs, associate degree college transfer programs, and vocational programs.
SBC’s mission is to build intellectual capital through academic, career, and technical education, while being guided by Lakota/Dakota culture, values, and language. SBC also seeks to promote economic and social development among the Lakota/Dakota Tribes.
For more information, visit Sitting Bull College’s website.
Located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Oglala Lakota College (OLC) offers a variety of degrees and certificates in Lakota language and culture. OLC requires students to take courses in the Lakota language, history, and culture through the Lakota Studies Department.
Oglala Lakota College (OLC) was established by the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council in 1971. In 1994, OLC was designated a land-grant college along with 30 other Tribal colleges. OLC currently operates on a decentralized campus system, with nine instructional centers throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City, and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.
OLC strives to provide Indigenous students with the education they need to achieve their goals. In addition to a widely-respected American Indian Studies program, graduates from OLC’s Education program are certified by the South Dakota Division of Education to teach K-12. Graduates from OLC’s nursing program are eligible to sit for the registered nurse examination.
For more information, visit Oglala Lakota College’s website.
Sinte Gleska University (SGU) serves the Rosebud Indian Reservation and was established in 1971 by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Like OLC, SGU was certified as a land grant university in 1994. SGU offers 25 associate’s degrees, 23 bachelor’s degrees, and two master’s degrees, including an MA in early childhood education.
SGU’s Lakota Studies Department is the cultural center of the university. It serves the school’s entire student population and promotes Lakota culture and practices to empower Lakota students. The department also offers Lakota Astronomy and Traditional Lakota Arts classes. All Lakota Studies classes are taught in the department’s Tipi, to provide a traditional Lakota learning environment for students.
For more information, visit Sinte Gleska University’s website.
The University of North Dakota’s Indigenous Language Education program offers an opportunity for qualified Native American students to become certified Lakota or Dakota teachers in two years. The program, funded by the federal government, will provide Lakota and Dakota language teachers to 63 public and Tribal schools across the Dakotas.
In the Indigenous Language Education program, students learn Lakota and Dakota linguistics as well as primary and secondary pedagogy. Each year, the program admits fourteen students, whose tuition costs are covered by the government. The purpose of this program is to provide Lakota and Dakota educators for all Tribal schools throughout North Dakota to help revitalize and maintain the Lakota and Dakota languages.
For more information, visit the University of North Dakota’s website.
LLC offers tools for studying with groups both online and with offline local learning groups.
Our Lakota Language Forum is a great place to connect to an online study group or to find a learning group in your area. You can also create your own local learning group.
We also host a Facebook group for people to ask questions, and understand concepts.
Check your local area and Tribal community centers as many offer Langauge learning groups for a variety of levels. If you have a local group that meets regularly, send an email and let us know!
Group-Study
Speaking with other learners will allow you to make significant progress in your Lakota language journey. Lakota Summer Institute and Virtual Language Weekends are a unique opportunity to meet other learners and explore conversational topics. Learn how you can find an online class or a local event to expand your Lakota language experience.
There are two annual Lakota language weekend events called Lakota Summer Institute (LSI). Since 2007, over 250 teachers from more than eight reservations and ten states have participated in classes covering second language pedagogy and Lakota linguistics.
Lakota Summer Institute North (LSI North) held at the University of North Dakota (UND) campus in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Lakota Summer Institute South (LSI South) held at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Both LSI North and LSI South offer opportunities for Lakota language learners and teachers to learn together. In addition to intensive language instruction, including intensive beginner and intermediate language classes, both institutes also offer professional development courses for Lakota language teachers.
Lakota Summer Institutes (LSI) allow Lakota people and those passionate about the language to come together to learn Lakȟótiyapi. It’s incredible to gather groups from across Lakota Country for a common purpose. Participants reconnect with peers, mentors, and friends from past Institutes, creating an ideal Lakota learning community – bound together by their investment in reawakening the Lakota language.
Lakota Language Weekends are designed to provide a deep dive into the Lakota language. These two-day courses offer beginner, intermediate and advanced students time and space to practice essential skills with other language learners at their level.
Events are held on Saturday and Sunday and are taught by experienced instructors using best-practice Indigenous pedagogy to engage students in the Lakota language and culture.
In 2020 we added a series of virtual events, which helped us understand how many folks we can reach online. Click here to see the highlights.
To be notified of future events, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook.
LLC, its partner organizations, Tribal colleges, and universities nationwide are offering an increasing number of Lakota language courses and programs. You can take individual courses, enter a program to learn and teach Lakota, or get involved in graduate study and research. Check out the opportunities on our Lakota learning timeline.
Sitting Bull College currently offers bachelor’s degree programs, associate degree college transfer programs, and vocational programs.
SBC’s mission is to build intellectual capital through academic, career, and technical education, while being guided by Lakota/Dakota culture, values, and language. SBC also seeks to promote economic and social development among the Lakota/Dakota Tribes.
For more information, visit Sitting Bull College’s website.
Located on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Oglala Lakota College offers a variety of degrees and certificates in Lakota language and culture. OLC is requires students to take courses in the Lakota language, history, and culture through the Lakota Studies Department.
Oglala Lakota College was established by the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council in 1971. In 1994, OLC was designated a land-grant college along with 30 other Tribal colleges. OLC currently operates on a decentralized campus system, with nine instructional centers throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City, and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.
OLC strives to provide Indigenous students with the education they need to achieve their goals. In addition to a widely-respected American Indian Studies program, graduates from OLC’s Education program are certified by the South Dakota Division of Education to teach K-12. Graduates from OLC’s nursing program are eligible to sit for the registered nurse examination.
For more information, visit Oglala Lakota College’s website.
Sinte Gleska University (SGU) serves the Rosebud Indian Reservation, and was established in 1971 by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Like OLC, SGU was certified as a land grant university in 1994. SGU offers 25 associate’s degrees, 23 bachelor’s degrees, and two masters degrees, including an MA in early childhood education.
SGU’s Lakota Studies Department is the cultural center of the university. It serves the school’s entire student population and promotes Lakota culture and practices to empower Lakota students. The department also offers Lakota Astronomy and Traditional Lakota Arts classes. All Lakota Studies classes are taught in the department’s Tipi, to provide a traditional Lakota learning environment for students.
For more information, visit Sinte Gleska University’s website.
The University of North Dakota’s Indigenous Language Education program offers an opportunity for qualified Native American students to become certified Lakota or Dakota teachers in two years. The program, funded by the federal government, will provide Lakota and Dakota language teachers to 63 public and Tribal schools across the Dakotas.
In the Indigenous Language Education program, students learn Lakota and Dakota linguistics as well as primary and secondary pedagogy. Each year, the program admits fourteen students, whose tuition costs are covered by the government. The purpose of this program is to provide Lakota and Dakota educators for all Tribal schools throughout North Dakota to help revitalize and maintain the Lakota and Dakota languages.
For more information, visit the University of North Dakota’s website.
LLC offers tools for studying with groups both online and with offline local learning groups.
Our Lakota Language Forum is a great place to connect to an online study group or to find a learning group in your area. You can also create your own local learning group.
Join the Community
Do you have questions about the Lakota language? Do you want to learn more about the latest news and developments in Lakota country? Stay connected and discover a world of amazing opportunities by joining the online Lakota community.
Join the Community
Do you have questions about the Lakota language? Do you want to learn more about the latest news and developments in Lakota country? Stay connected and discover a world of amazing opportunities by joining the online Lakota community.
Follow Us on Facebook
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Events and Classes
Throughout the year, LLC hosts and sponsors a number of educational events to engage learners and community members in the Lakota language. Read more to find out how you can get involved.
Events and Classes
Throughout the year, LLC hosts and sponsors a number of educational events to engage learners and community members in the Lakota language. Read more to find out how you can get involved.
Summer Institutes
Held annually, Lakota Summer Institutes provide professional development for Lakota teachers and offer intensive language classes for adult learners. Over the course of three weeks, participants attend classes and discuss Lakota language education with other participants, building a Lakota language-learning community. The Lakota Summer Institutes immerse participants in active language-learning techniques to improve their Lakota skills. For many participants, the Summer Institutes are the only opportunities they have to speak Lakota with a large group of other learners and fluent speakers.
For teachers, credits earned from Summer Institute classes can be applied towards certification in both North and South Dakota. Teachers also have the opportunity to share new strategies or activities they have developed with other Lakota teachers and with curriculum developers, building stronger Lakota language education practices. Because of the Summer Institutes, Lakota teachers are better equipped with Lakota language education materials and teaching strategies, improving the quality of Lakota language educations that students throughout Lakota country receive.
Language Weekends
Lakota Language Weekends are “crash courses” in the Lakota language. These two-day courses are taught by experienced instructors and are suitable for beginners and continuing learners alike. Participants receive instruction tailored to their Lakota language needs. Lakota Language weekends are a perfect introduction to the Lakota language. If you normally study Lakota independently, Language Weekends are a perfect opportunity to address any questions you may have and to practice speaking.
Summer Institutes
Held annually, Lakota Summer Institutes provide professional development for Lakota teachers and offer intensive language classes for adult learners. Over the course of three weeks, participants attend classes and discuss Lakota language education with other participants, building a Lakota language-learning community. The Lakota Summer Institutes immerse participants in active language-learning techniques to improve their Lakota skills. For many participants, the Summer Institutes are the only opportunities they have to speak Lakota with a large group of other learners and fluent speakers.
For teachers, credits earned from Summer Institute classes can be applied towards certification in both North and South Dakota. Teachers also have the opportunity to share new strategies or activities they have developed with other Lakota teachers and with curriculum developers, building stronger Lakota language education practices. Because of the Summer Institutes, Lakota teachers are better equipped with Lakota language education materials and teaching strategies, improving the quality of Lakota language educations that students throughout Lakota country receive.
Language Weekends
Lakota Language Weekends are “crash courses” in the Lakota language. These two-day courses are taught by experienced instructors and are suitable for beginners and continuing learners alike. Participants receive instruction tailored to their Lakota language needs. Lakota Language weekends are a perfect introduction to the Lakota language. If you normally study Lakota independently, Language Weekends are a perfect opportunity to address any questions you may have and to practice speaking.
Resources
LLC has developed a broad collection of educational materials to guide your language-learning journey. Our resources are developed with community members and linguists to ensure that they deliver a complete and culturally relevant Lakota language curriculum. Read more to find out what resources LLC has to offer.
Resources
LLC has developed a broad collection of educational materials to guide your language-learning journey. Our resources are developed with community members and linguists to ensure that they deliver a complete and culturally relevant Lakota language curriculum. Read more to find out what resources LLC has to offer.
The Lakhótiya Wóglaka Po! – Speak Lakota! Lakota language textbooks are designed for elementary and secondary school use and for self-study. Developed by Lakota community members, leading Lakota language authorities, and linguists, these textbooks are part of a complete and sequential Lakota language curriculum designed to serve all Lakota people, no matter their age, location, or language level. They are ideal for classrooms and for self-study, especially when used in conjunction with the Audio CDs. The Lakhótiya Wóglaka Po! – Speak Lakota! Lakota language textbooks are available for Levels 1–5.
Lakota Educational Posters include large poster-size reproductions of important pages from the textbooks as well as posters that teach specific terms, such as body parts or clothing items. These posters reinforce vocabulary and can be used during instructional activities and games.
Ready to get started! This simple download will be a great reference tool for your studies. This free download is our gift to you as you undertake the study of Lakota language.
The Lakhótiya Wóglaka Po! – Speak Lakota! Lakota language textbooks are designed for elementary and secondary school use and for self-study. Developed by Lakota community members, leading Lakota language authorities, and linguists, these textbooks are part of a complete and sequential Lakota language curriculum designed to serve all Lakota people, no matter their age, location, or language level. They are ideal for classrooms and for self-study, especially when used in conjunction with the Audio CDs. The Lakhótiya Wóglaka Po! – Speak Lakota! Lakota language textbooks are available for Levels 1–5.
Lakota Educational Posters include large poster-size reproductions of important pages from the textbooks as well as posters that teach specific terms, such as body parts or clothing items. These posters reinforce vocabulary and can be used during instructional activities and games.
Ready to get started! This simple download will be a great reference tool for your studies. This free download is our gift to you as you undertake the study of Lakota language.
