|
Somali
Bilingual Initiative
According to
the latest census numbers and local estimates, Minnesota is home
to the largest Somali population in the United States. Many Somali
refugees and immigrants are not unlike Hmong refugees in that their
languages have only recently existed in written form. The Hmong
language was officially written in the 1950s, and Somali as of the
1970s. Both groups have been forced to adapt to a highly literate
and technological culture with little support in advancing literacy
in their native language. The ability to become literate in the
home language is a significant variable in determining whether an
immigrant or immigrant community can achieve literacy in a new language.
The overall
goal of the Humanities Center's Somali Bilingual Initiative is to
advance family literacy opportunities that positively impact the
literacy levels of Somali immigrant and refugee families.
Through this
initiative the Minnesota Humanities Center will begin to fill gaps
that exist -- in culturally and linguistically appropriate children's
books; in educators' knowledge about existing resources and about
the language of the Somali families they teach; and in resources
for serving the needs of preliterate parents as they support their
children's emerging literacy skills.
Components of
the Somali Bilingual Initiative include:
- Trainings
and events
for professionals who work with Somali families, including the
Humanities Center's Somali Language and Literacy Conference and
Sheeko Wadaag/Sharing Stories: From Home Language to School Literacy
with Somali Families; and the
- Somali
Bilingual Book Project, including the publication of four
traditional Somali folktales, never before appearing in fully
illustrated children's books. The Lion's Share, The
Travels of Igal Shidad, Wiil Waal, and Dhegdheer
will be available in hard cover and paperback editions and a dual
language audio recording. The first two titles were released in
late 2006, the third was released in 2007, and the fourth book
will be published in 2008. Purchase
books now.
- Resources
to support preliterate families, including resource lists,
tip sheets, and activities.
Click
here for current training and events offerings from the Humanities
Center.
|
