Ithana Anowa
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I initially tried to list all books that involved the Chickasaw language, but it quickly became too many. I list the books that focus primarily on the language itself and that I would personally recommend. If you visit the Chickasaw Press website and go through all the books (not just the ones under the language filter), you will find many books that incorporate the Chickasaw language. This includes a number of children's books that are written bilingually, that may be useful for beginning learners of any age.
The Chickasaw Nation has taken huge leaps forward in a short time with regards to online language resources. When I was younger and wanted to learn Chickasaw as a high school student or an early college student, there was not many resources I could turn to. However, now there has been an explosion of online resources from the Nation. I won't go into detail on all the services the Nation provides, as those are all generally centralized and advertised by the Nation itself. Instead, I have listed all the relevant ones, and you can learn more about them at their links or at the Nation's website.
- Books
- Websites and other online resources
- Physical items
- In-person events/programs
- Not in-person social interactions
Resources
Let's Speak Chickasaw: Chikashshanompa' Kilanompoli' for $30
NOTE: This book is currently out of print, making it out of stock or on backorder at all purchasing sites. The Chickasaw Press has told me they are considering reprinting it in the fall of 2023, but it is not for sure. You can only buy this used for massively inflated prices, or possibly new in-person at the Chickasaw Nation Outpost in Ada, OK.
Chickasaw Basic Language Workbook I for $15
Chickasaw Basic Language Workbook II for $15
A Concise Chickasaw Dictionary for $30
Chikashshanompaat Holisso Toba'chi, Chickasaw: An Analytical Dictionary for $30
Initial Introduction Uniskript Chickasaw for $10.99 (eBook only)
Chickasaw Language Basics
There is also an affiliated app, self study workbook PDF, and self study workbook online.
Chickasaw Classes Online
Unaffiliated with the Nation, these virtual classes focus on Chickasaw people living outside the tribal boundaries.
Rosetta Stone program
If you are a registered citizen of the Nation, you can order a single copy of the Rosetta Stone CDs and create a Rosetta Stone account to use them with. If you are not a registered citizen (or employee of the Nation), you have to complete additional steps and I believe pay a fee, though I don't know how much it is.
Language Flashcards
These are only provided by request to parents of Chickasaw children who are under 5 years old. You can sometimes acquire these by being in-person at buildings, events, or programs held by the Nation.
Cultural enrichment family day camp, using the Rosetta Stone
Chikasha Academy Adult Immersion Program (CAAIP)
They also seem to run a virtual cohort (CAAIVP) in addition to the in-person one.
Youth language club meeting in Ada, OK and Ardmore, OK
Community language classes in Oklahoma rotating between Ada, Ardmore, Sulphur, and Tishimingo.
Language education classes at East Central University in Ada, OK
There used to be listed a Chickasaw Master-Apprentice program where people looking to learn Chickasaw would be paired with a mentor, but that program seems to have been retired or at least currently suspended.
We Speak Chickasaw-Language Learning Group
This is a private Facebook group, so your mileage may vary. Often people post here asking for specific word/sentence translations or checking in on the quality of their translation. Language teachers and speakers are in this group though so while you may strike out if looking for more nebulous like recommendations or advice, translation checks are going to be pretty solid.