Language learning...

It amazes me how much time can be spent on-line and still nothing gets accomplished. I have spent the week trying to get caught up on personal business. Homework has been fun, working through the quirks of the language software. I even learned how to create my own flash card list.
Hadley, chapter 2: Caused me to reflect intently on my own learning of second languages (Spanish and Ojibwe) and my own teaching methods or approaches to language learning. What has worked for me and what I try to incorporate in my teaching method is multiple stimulus in content with repetition, always taking an individual approach to learning styles. People who I view as successful second language learners agree that the immersion experience is the best way to learn a language. I have only recently under gone a brief immersion experience.
I agree to some extent the genetic theory of language learning because of my deep desire and commitment to learning and preserving the Ojibwe language (my Native language, not my first language). When I hear the Ojibwe language it instills a calmness in me. A sense of fulfillment or contentment (even if I don't know all of the words). I justify this feeling as a genetic memory.
I also agree that learning language at an early age is very different from learning a second language as an adult. Along with age comes learned responses and set ways of dealing with new stimuli. These cognitive responses become more resilient with age. In my own case, I have been a life long learner of language, however I do not seem to be able to advance past "novice" stage of language learning in either case. I understand more than I am able to communicate in both languages. I have travel around the world and felt when in any situation in any country when not knowing the language...that people find a way to communicate their basic needs in order to help someone out.
I guess my experience and thoughts would support both the empiricist and rationalist points of view.

I spent the week catching up on all of my on-line business and doing homework. I have enjoyed discovering all of the quirks and in's and out's of what the language software. I even have learned to create my own flash card lists.

The Hadley reading caused me to reflect intently on my own second language learning. I believe my desire to learn Ojibwemowin is genetic.

Yaaaahooooo!

Today wireless Internet was installed! I don't know why the call it wireless, as there is still a wire that runs across the side of the house, through the wall and into the computer. It has to be plugged into the computer (unless I want to spent another $80 to buy a router), so I am sure it will not work when the electricity is out.

Never the less, just in time to catch up as I feel I have been falling behind in my postings. My days of sitting at coffee shops and McDonald's are history! Thank goodness, as I feel I have gained a few extra pounds drinking lattes, eating french fries and cheese burgers. Even though it was a costly thing to do (installing wireless), I figure I am saving $5 a pop for each of the three visits a week at someplace with Internet access. Essentially it will work out to be the same cost as the monthly charge for access at home. Plus the benefit of being able to work when it is convenient for me and not having to sneak on-line during my breaks at work. Hooraah, do a little dance!

Another Day....

Aaniin Anishinaabeg,

Well, I have tried to post twice this week and nothing shows up...Micky D's always seems to cut me off while I am saving to the site.

I finally received my digital camera and have been extremely frustrated as no matter how much I read about the operations, I cannot seem to get the hang of it.

Wireless is being installed next week after a ton of paperwork and a lot of money down. I am sure you will all be sick of me once I have unlimited access!

I have enjoyed reading everyone elses blogs and am happy that Amanda and Gabe have now become followers to my site also!

I am a bit overwhelmed this semester but very engaged in our classroom assignments. I am thankful for all of the support from my fellow students and instructors.

I continue to play and have fun with the new language software and have a list of "how do I..." questions. Seems the more I play the more I discover about technology and Ojibwe Language.

Seems all I have been learning has opened many doors in my inner self and I have been dreaming of people from my past. People I have not thought of in along time and people whom have disappeared from my immediate reality. I am trying hard to listen to my heart and figure out what it all means. I am greatful that I have been gifted by knowing so many incredible people, past and present. Nagaj, Makwa

Misazaaga'iganing Noongom

Another beautiful day on Lake Mille Lacs. This weekend was full of fun and excitement for many. The annual Artic Blast fund raiser for the Viking Childrens Fund sponsored by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and Grand Casino Mille Lacs took place yesterday. I chophered an elder to the blast points. Today in front of Micky D's cars and bikes are racing once again on the lake.

I finally got my new digital camera and brought it on AJ's Artic Blast about yesterday after spending several days reading the on-line manual figuring out how to use it. Of course my first notion was just to play with it...but after a day of failure, I resorted to reading the instructions.

I have all my paperwork, contracts and deposits into MLEC hoping to get internet installed in two weeks...of course I will have to take a day off of work to be "present" when they arrive...guess that means I will have to clean the house also.

In the mean time, I periodically get on-line and download all of the articles I can on our