Learning the Innu language from the mobile app is now possible thanks to the Tshakapesh Institute in Sept-Îles, located in the Innu community of Uashat, on the North Shore.
The “Innu Conversation” app has been developed in collaboration with several partners, including the Tshakapesh Institute and Carleton University, but also linguists and many Innu language experts who come from communities in Quebec and Labrador, Marjolaine Tshernish, Director General of the Tshakapesh Institute, explained to TVA Nouvelles on Thursday.
The words and phrases in the mobile app are organized around 21 topics, such as family, greetings, numbers and days of the week.
“It’s great when you want to quickly find the phrase you’re looking for.” But other than that there is a dictionary right behind you. It’s online and it’s more complete,” Sophie Laroche, who is currently learning Innu, said with a smile on her face.
This mobile application is part of a trend among First Nations striving to preserve their language. Other First Nations are developing mobile applications in order to preserve their language. “We know that languages are in great danger of disappearing, including the Innu nation, which is doing a lot to save the language,” said Margolin Chernish.
She trusts more, that it is a pleasure to hear a non-native, such as Mrs. Laroche, make efforts to learn to speak the language. “The world appreciates a lot,” Inoue said with a laugh. “I can tell you the reception will be better.
For her part, Ms. LaRouche uses the app to exchange with her friends and colleagues at the Chacapsh Institute, but above all do so in their own language “because I met them on their lands,” she said.
The “Innu Conversation” app has been around for 5 years, but it was improved last June. It is available for free on the Apple Store and on Google Play.
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