Study the language in small doses. Learning is like eating; you can’t stuff it in all at once.
Establish a study schedule and try to stick to it!
Relate Potawatomi to your daily activities by using it to comment on things you do, see, and hear about.
Create your own learning aids. For example, put labels on items in your home and read the labels when you see them. It will be even more helpful if the labels say something about the item, not just what it is called. You can also get pocket size file cards and on these write things you’d like to review or practice while waiting somewhere, or over coffee. These might be phrases and patterns you are studying, common expressions, or lines around scenarios in which perhaps you see yourself being (e.g. what you might hear and say at a pow wow, basketball game, etc.)
Seize opportunities to speak when they arise with speakers and/or fellow learners. Some words of caution: Be mindful of protocols you may be expected to know, such as offering tobacco when seeking an elder’s help or comments. Be mindful also that not all speakers have a teacher’s insight into the problems and worries a learner may have.
Be patient with yourself. Learning a second language takes effort, and none get through the task without many mistakes. Use these as learning opportunities. Often, the lessons best learned are those that were the most embarrassing. A sense of humor will serve you well. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and move on.
Read and re read examples and explanations as you find necessary. Look for patterns in sentences. At the same time, learn to recognize expressions that don’t follow any evident logic. Potawatomi has numerous expressions that are as logical as some English ones like “Holy Cow”, and “Gee Whiz”.
And for the “hip” speakers of today, “whazzup”, “my bro”, “my hood”, and etc.
Take a realistic approach to learning Potawatomi or any new language. Realize that you aren’t going to learn it overnight and chances are, you are probably going to be committing slight mistakes and then subtle mistakes for some time to come. So give yourself time and be gentle on yourself, but persistent in learning and attending classes, if they are available.
Iw énajmoyan ngom……
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