Why are so many CHamorus unable to speak CHamoru? | Explaining the sudden Language Shift to English

[@pulanspeaks]

Just to share that I now have a Patreon set up! Feel free to take a look! Any support goes right back to producing better Pacific Studies content for you all! www.patreon.com/pulanspeaks

[@lndntmnglo6198]

i hear that a lot of young people from Saipan actually speak chamorro more than english so that gives me some hope

[@pulanspeaks]

Hunggan your correct che’lu! Generally there are more young speakers proportionately speaking in the CNMI than on Guam. Although the similar language replacement process to English which is happening on Guam is also occurring in the CNMI, which makes fino’ CHamoru an endangered language even in the CNMI. From personal experience, when I was in Luta in 2015, I came across several young CHamorus who could neither speak nor understand CHamoru; it was a real eye opener cause I assumed everyone in Luta could speak or at least understand CHamoru. Although as you said, the fact that there are still young people in the CNMI who can speak CHamoru gives me hope that we can collectively prevent the “death” of the CHamoru language. Si Yu’os ma’åse’ for your comment.

[@TheSpectacledOwl]

As a Chamorro from Saipan, that is MOSTLY true. While there is still a large percentage of the population that understands the language, most do not speak it…especially those who are currently in their mid-30’s to 40’s. Naturally, because of that, my generation speaks to their children purely in English. It is quite rare on Saipan to see new Chamorro parents speak to their kids in Chamorro, honestly. Please also note that the CNMI Chamorros believe in a different orthography than Guamanian Chamorros.

[@peskadotmafuti377]

@@TheSpectacledOwl I feel bad for people from Guam, they have almost fully lost touch with their culture, language, and their traditions. I am from Saipan, I think that the older people don’t really have a problem with speaking cuz there are lots of adults that speak Chamorro, but even on Saipan, there are problems with the younger generation. The young kids now don’t even know simple and easy words. Then the Guamanians don’t even know how to spell Chamorro correctly. Some spell it like CHamoru and some like chamoru. Both are very wrong and people here on Saipan mak fun of Guam because of that. I hope that the whole CNMI and Guam don’t lose heir culture.

[@palulapsoulap1959]

Even chuukese who came from the chuuk lagoon and the outer island Are so fluent in chamorro language Even some FSM citizen from chuuk here in Guam also speak chamorro really good

[@thespicywonton]

@@peskadotmafuti377 I’m from Saipan and I think it’s pretty unfair that our people are making fun of people from Guam spelling Chamorro like “CHamoru”. When really there’s a simple reason behind it and everyone should be aware of it, rather than making fun. Chamorro is the English version of the spelling, while “CHamoru” is spelt using the Chamorro Alphabet, in the language itself. “CH” is the 5th letter which explains why it’s capitalized, there’s no “C” in the alphabet, just “CH” Just like how Spanish is “Español” when referred to while using the language itself. We all should pursue peace with eachother while helping sustain the language, and learning together.

[@katolujancamacho6154]

Great video! My father is CHamoru, but never taught me to speak it for exactly the reasons you shared - he didn't think it would benefit me at all. Now I'm in my 30s and struggling to learn on my own in the hopes of reconnecting with family I've never been able to meet or speak to because of the colonization of Guam. Once I teach myself, I am sure I will teach my children so the next generation of CHamoru don't grow up cut off from their culture.

[@pulanspeaks]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Learning the language is a great way of reconnecting with our CHamoru heritage. Kato, I wish you all the best in your journey.

[@KatrynSPD]

It's sad - I hate to see a culture/language disappear in history

[@pulanspeaks]

Yeah, I share your same sentiments; it is very sad, which is why we must do all we can to perpetuate the culture and language!

[@islandgirl9298]

Thank God I can speak in Chamoru and understand it fluently because my grandparents hardly spoke English to us... someday I will learn to read and write in Chamoru

[@pulanspeaks]

That is so awesome that you are able to speak and understand CHamoru. The gift of the mother language from your grandparents is such a precious gift. Keep using our language whenever you can!

[@island671]

Nice. I wish I could speak fluently…as for myself i can understand most but for some reason it’s difficult to speak. But I can read and sing chamorro songs which is due to my grandmother taking me on her Sunday Fatima/Christian Mother’s. These books I would read a long and were all typed in Chamorro.

[@deborahdeoliveira958]

Thank you for all the info. I have several students from Guam here in Hawaii and I love them. There has been a revival of the Hawaiian language around the islands here, hopefully changes will come from it. What you said is very similar to what happened here in Hawaii. Keep your videos coming! Esta and aloha oe!

[@pulanspeaks]

Hafa adai and Aloha Deborah! That is so wonderful to hear about the language revival in Hawaii. That gives me hope that we can revive the language here in the Marianas as well. Your students are lucky to have you as a teacher. Si Yu'os ma'ase'!

[@harrybranches9586]

Guam needs to take a look at Ireland and Scotland. The same thing happened to they're language. English was forced upon them..but their is a revivsl going on and the native laguages of both these countries is coming back. Perhaps Chammoro enthusiasts can learn from the language enthusiasts from Ireland and Scotland

[@moekontze116]

Chamorro should look at other Polynesian for inspiration. Look at New Zealand Māoris. The revival of their Te Reo is amazing. You start from Daycare n make their way up and fully converse in Te Reo Māori.

[@supervivo7069]

I did not know most of this about Chamoru. I just learnt about the language as a Hispanic studies major. I did not know about it nor the influence Spanish had on it until recently. It's such a beautiful language though, keep it alive.

[@JECHRIS]

I was born 1967 and can speak, read, and write in Chamorro. It has nothing to do with colonization! It has everything to do with the individual wanting and willing to learn. When I went to school, I used English and came home I used Chamorro language. So, I believe everyone can speak our language if they make and effort to learn!

[@raraimler7461]

Si Yu'us ma'åse' for bringing more attention to this issue. I signed up for your Patreon the other day!

[@pulanspeaks]

Dangkolo' na si yu'os ma'åse' Rara! Siente-ku gof inagratu na sumaonao hao iyo-ku Patreon. Magahet enao na'åbiba yu' nai fuma'tinas bula bideo! Biba! Thank you very much Rara! I feel very grateful that you joined my Patreon. That truly encourages me to make more videos!

[@lsizzle4rizzle]

Okay enough doom and gloom, are we doing anything to rectify this issue these days?

[@giovannicollazo-cruz2193]

It starts with you, respectively

[@pulanspeaks]

Yes we are! I mentioned in the ending that part 2 will look at public and private efforts to revitalize the language, so be on the lookout for that video! I’m not sure if your a CHamoru language learner or not, but if not, I hope you begin your journey to learn the language. Individual efforts and action go a long way at rectifying this issue. Si Yu’os ma’åse’ for your comment.

[@Iceland874]

The language needs to be preserved. It is important to preserving the culture.

[@karelingabon]

Mungga siempre en fino' Engles put fabot yanggen yamiyu fama' presetba i natibu na finino'ta!

[@jlacheagon9539]

As a Chamorro from the mainland I'm learning Chamorro to speak with my guella. I know Spanish due to growing up with Chicanos and my kids family are all Chicano/Mexican. I'm going to teach my children about the rich cultures and histories they come from on both sides. Luckily Espanol y CHamoru have a lot of overlap, so hopefully it helps me teach my children. It's up to us who are young to maintain our heritage.

[@kotla671]

Convert now from 80% CHamoru instruction and theory (20% actual speaking) to 90% speaking and 10% theory and instruction. Even with just 10 minutes a day in math a student could eventually understand and perform basic math. All the time dedicated to “teaching” CHamoru must convert to 90% of the lessons including speaking. Less teaching and a lot more speaking! Good presentation!✊🏽

[@elizabethrosario5659]

Would you make this video solely in Chamorro so that the more fluent speakers of the language could understand it without asking one of their children to translate it for them? My primary language is English, and I consider Chamorro to be my native language. I can understand and speak Chamorro, but I have no practical use for it because I live stateside.

[@giovannicollazo-cruz2193]

Guahu lokkue..

[@pulanspeaks]

I would definitely make this video in fino’ CHamoru. Thank you for that suggestion. And what you said goes in line with why so many young CHamorus don’t learn the language today, it lacks “practical” economic and social utility. Hopefully, this may change one day.

[@tayloredstory8241]

This was really interesting. Learned a lot! Thanks

[@pulanspeaks]

Always appreciate your support! Si Yu'os ma'ase'!

[@guineverejust595]

I am from Puerto Rico, it is so interesting how our history is so similar. Thank you for this video.

[@pulanspeaks]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@nelsonvelazquezgotay5894]

The only difference that puertoricans continues to speak spanish and are very proud of the language they speak.

[@funlover303]

I’m half black & Singaporean & was raised by my step dad & his family who are full chamorro. This explains why only my grandma could only speak it fluently

[@funlover303]

So Literally the #BLM movement pretty much what is happening to the chamorro culture, but instead of killing, its being taking away from. I don’t like that

[@Danni671]

Both of my parents are Chamorro and it’s sad to say I don’t understand much except for basic phrases, slang and bad words. I wish there was a way to learn Chamorro more in this time.

[@sh_ngawan]

Its crazy that we know more about America/ American history than alot of Americans.

[@MrSicc274]

Same as in Hawaii Aotearoa and Rapa Nui. But it’s getting better especially with the Maori Kohanga-Reo pre-school system.

[@khust2993]

Seems like a common occurrence across all Anglophone countries, native languages get decimated by English. Glad that the Philippines at least became independent from the US that we were able to retain our native languages, if we stayed longer as colony, we probably would have lost our identity altogether by this time.

[@KokoBirdSings]

My mom couldn’t speak English, she would get whacked for speaking Chamoru as a kindergartener. They made her take kindergarten again. Until she could speak some English. Can you imagine? 1966. A little 5 year old getting hit by an adult for speaking her language. 1942. The Japanese did the same thing to my grandmother. 7 years old, can’t speak Japanese and would get slapped. My mom barely spoke to me in Chamoru because my father was American. My father discouraged it. I’ve only heard it at my grandmother’s house when we would visit every Sunday. 1995. my mother’s family barely talked to me in Chamoru so I could get a successful job.

[@tukmol1589]

Wrong again: blame the parents. elders, leaders and school curriculum.

[@mariasolduenasmarques239]

I hope that in the near future, the CHamoru language and culture is more prioritized in the school system.

[@pulanspeaks]

Hunggan che’lu. That is my hope as well. Hope that one day the current CHamoru language immersion program at PC Lujan will he expanded to every school! Biba CHamoru!

[@hanzlan]

Hopefully, Guam and CNMI can agree to a unified orthography for CHamoru/Chamoru in the near future. Having two orthographies makes it hard to learn/write Chamorro correctly and it puts English into an even more favourable position in this process of language shift, much as the concept of "divide and rule".

[@pulanspeaks]

I absolutely agree that Guam ad the CNMI can agree to a unified orthography. It will really benefit the people and the language if that could happen.

[@peterbury9707]

When I was in the Marshall Islands in the 90s, everyone still spoke Marshallese as their first language. But that was just when TVs and VCRs were starting to get popular and most ppl outside of the city didn't have TV yet. Now I'm sure everyone over 5 has cell phones and can watch cable TV and KZbin. English is what is around you all the time..

[@jon-e3c626]

It’s hard to learn when you aren’t raised to speak it like my parents

[@pulanspeaks]

Absolutely, and that's what I think many native speakers must understand that if you didn't naturally acquire the language through exposure when you were young, consciously learning the CHamoru language when one is older is like learning any second language; it can't just be 'naturally' acquired at that point. Thank you for pointing that out.

[@2GoneFilmz]

My great grandmother from Agana had no choice but to Sew the uniforms for the US military to survive due to her village being destoyed and wow i never knew this history thank you so much for this may god bless Guam

[@caissa6187]

I'm on many language learning software and i NEVER see chamorro as an option. It REALLY upsets me because I want to learn my language. Any ideas on how to get our language on there whether it's Pimsleur, DuoLIngo, Babbel, etc etc. ??

[@pulanspeaks]

Thank you for identifying that issue in language learning software! I honestly have no idea how to get our language on those learning platforms. Perhaps we should just make our own language learning software!

[@faanengaaw7357]

If other native speaking Chamorros can speak day to day the everyone els can!!

[@davidchavez657]

I think the internet has a lot to do with it. One generation is too short for 300 years of colonialism to suddenly have that effect.

[@jesuss.n.quintanilla8286]

One factor that prevents one from learning about the language in this day of age is the lack of material. As a Chamorro teacher with over three decades I have seen the lack of importance of making this a reality. Those in power needs to make those important changes. Teachers do not have the proper equipment or materials to address the Chamorro language. Look at the students leaving the Education system, what do they know about the Language?

[@g-mantv6228]

I went to high school in Guam 9th grade was last year they offered chamorro language classes. 1992 Ocean View High

[@XanderKaine]

CHamoru wasn't taught to my father but i my self am trying to learn so i can better connect with my grandmother

[@jbn03canada]

these will happen to philippines if they continue speaking english language. second oldest austronesian languages are found in the phil.

[@adrianwakeisland4710]

Lo ingles giya filipinas esta parehu ha' i ingles-ñiha i man taotao guåhan ba ingles ha' i siña ma komprendi yan fino'. Guaha man filipino na sen maolek gi fino' ingles ki i man chamoru parehu yu'.

[@johntrevorcruz2071]

Not just Chamorros but even the Filipinos in Guam. A lot of Filipinos don't know how to speak their language of Tagalog. I recall back in 2012 when I went to guam for vacation with my uncle and when me and my uncle were speaking in tagalog, there some folks were listening to us on what we were saying and later, those folks were like "Oh my goodness you're language speaking is amazing!" And I'm like "Uh... you mean my tagalog accent?" Them " Yes!" So I asked them if they're filipinos and they said yes. It was a shock to me that when I also asked them if they know how to speak tagalog and they said no..... Wow...

[@mpa324]

That's because Filipinos also have colonial mentality, parents never enforce their language to their kids born overseas. Plus those kids' peers are mostly non-filipino speakers, so that sort of make it hard to learn the language.

[@khust2993]

Filipinos who settle abroad often refuse to pass the language to their kids because they think it's an impediment to their career or social standing. The worrying thing is, this is also becoming a trend in some middle and upper class families in Manila.

[@ANTSEMUT1]

@@khust2993 oof.

[@adrianwakeisland4710]

Babaña i man Filipino ki hami na man Chamoru. Humahanao yu' gi entiru Guåhan yan Notte Marianas, taya asipudera hacha Filipino i siña ha matungo' fino' Filipino.

[@amsablan]

Guam needs to decolonize! Revive the Chamorru language, Make it beneficial and profitable to speak it. Segregate the Chamorru children from the military/outsider children. Teach math, science, history in fino Chamorru. The First Nation Indigenous Natives of US Mainland are doing so. Why can't we?

[@adrianwakeisland4710]

I mas maolek, nihi ta fino' chamoru ha' kada diha, madaña i man balibagu na taotao sanhiyong, espesiåtmente i man amerikanu.

[@TDISCUBA]

Pulan would you be interested in coming to Tinian and giving a lecture to my NMI Histroy classes at the HIgh School

[@parisan9985]

Hey!! Can you do about a cartography tool that the Micronesians used when sailing throughout the ocean?

[@pulanspeaks]

I do plan to do a video on traditional seafaring! Which will definitely look at aspects of how they navigated!

[@serpentscoil326]

My mom and her family moved from Guam to Stateside, when they got there my mom and her siblings were told we were not to speak/learn CHamoru. This was in the 70s, keep in mind, US had policies for Indigenous groups where it was common to sterilize indigenous people for openly living their culture. Also, my grandmother had in mind of giving them better chances if they simply knew English. My grandmother and her siblings would speak it when we met in gatherings. I wish they didn't do that. I am trying to learn on my own, I have been going through the Learn CHamoru project. I know it may not been accurate, but I have to start somewhere.

[@pulanspeaks]

Si Yu’us ma’åse’ for sharing your family’s experience. You speak much magåhet (truth) in your words. I am so happy that you are on your lifelong journey of reclaiming your indigenous language. It is indeed difficult and often times you will stop which is all part of the experience. And if you keep continuing, I promise that the journey will be a reward all to itself. I am praying for your journey! -Pulan

[@serpentscoil326]

@@pulanspeaks Thank you, I will be leaving comments and whatnot. And asking questions.

[@ANTSEMUT1]

@@serpentscoil326 fuck i forgot that sterilization of indigenous communities in the USA was that recent 😨😨😨

[@serpentscoil326]

@@ANTSEMUT1 Also, I forgot about a lot of Anti-Asian sentiment as well. So my mom and her siblings were told to find ways to "fit in".

[@ANTSEMUT1]

@@serpentscoil326 oof.

[@Hafajaybyrd]

Si yu’us ma’ase!

[@pulanspeaks]

Taya guaha!

[@ems7623]

Yes, this is the one of the most pronounced effects of US colonialism. I am afraid that 5% is not enough to stage a revival. English is here to stay. But, this happens sometimes in history. Most languages that have ever existed are dead languages ... And not at all just because of modern Western empires.

[@MikeyLee559]

This gonna happen to Hmong people in America too in another 20 years

[@ANTSEMUT1]

This happens way to often with colonialism than I'm comfortable with, which is that it happens at all. Also fuck, i hate this whole attitude about that being bilingual/multilingual being a terrible thing.

[@pulanspeaks]

Absolutely... it's sad how pretty much every linguistic study on the topic indicates that bilingualism/multilingualism is better for a person's functionality, yet some people believe the complete opposite. Hopefully through education efforts, their attitudes will change.

[@ANTSEMUT1]

@@pulanspeaks yeah i hate that myth of multilingualism is still being perpetuated by enough people these days. It shouldn't be a thing in the first place but at the very least such attitudes should be left in the century it was thought up.

[@nuk3mdukem653]

Aro aro maii TE meta o Nga Reo taotao NEi au Aotearoa Mai moturoa pangonia

[@o_o825]

Eyy… Why you sound so mad par

[@karelingabon]

Sa' ni ini, sen dangkolo' na minamahlao yan sen gef dangkolo' na trompåda para i kada fasunñiha i todus man Chamoru ni ti siña ma tungo' fino' Chamoru! Engles ha' i finino'ñiha!

[@adrianwakeisland4710]

Chamoru yu' lo hu fino' Chamoru para i man taotao sanhiyong, no me importa ti siña ma komprendi håfa i sinangan-hu. Problema-ñiha enao!