Joye Walkus shares her heartfelt journey of learning and preserving her native language, emphasizing its importance in connecting generations and cultural identity. Through personal anecdotes and the significance of language, she highlights the urgency of revitalizing endangered languages.
Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a lifeline that connects us to our heritage, culture, and identity. In her TEDx talk, Joye Walkus shares her inspiring journey of learning her native language, highlighting the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Joye begins by introducing herself and her roots, stating, "Gaya kesla Jo g m Gila kesla is to accept you in this present moment for who you are." This phrase encapsulates the essence of her message: embracing one's identity through language. She reflects on her upbringing, mentioning that when she started her journey five years ago, there were only six fluent speakers of her language. Today, that number has grown to approximately 45, but the urgency to preserve the language remains critical.
At the age of eight, Joye recalls her grandfather teaching her words in their native language. She vividly remembers a moment when he held her hand and encouraged her to listen and learn. This early exposure sparked her interest in the language, and she began to learn the names of objects and how to count. However, after losing her grandfather just before her twelfth birthday, her motivation to learn diminished, and her language acquisition stalled.
Years later, in her twenties, Joye reignited her passion for her language by asking her mother simple questions about greetings and expressions of love. Her mother patiently guided her, but Joye soon realized that learning a language requires more than just memorizing words. It demands a deeper understanding of its context and cultural significance.
In 2010, a phone call from her cousin Richard changed everything. He excitedly informed her about a program at the University of Victoria aimed at creating teachers for their native language. Despite the challenges of being a teacher, Joye embraced the opportunity, driven by her newfound passion for her language and its cultural importance.
As Joye delved deeper into her language, she discovered profound meanings behind words. One particular word, "gatu," intrigued her. While her mother struggled to define it, her uncle provided a beautiful explanation: "You are the reason for every breath that I take." This revelation highlighted the depth of love and connection embedded in their language, reinforcing Joye's commitment to preserving it.
Joye's journey from her past experiences to her present learning reflects her desire to ensure that future generations understand the significance of their language. She expresses a strong wish to hear more of her language spoken and to share its beauty with others. Her fight for preservation is not just personal; it is a collective effort to keep the language alive for the sake of her family and community.
In her heartfelt conclusion, Joye emphasizes the importance of language as a cultural lifeline. She passionately declares, "From the bottom of my bare feet to the bottom of my heart, I am going to do whatever it takes so that she knows what my grandfather felt when he said that word to my mom, to me, to all of his family." Joye Walkus's journey is a powerful reminder of the role language plays in our lives and the urgent need to preserve it for future generations.
Through her story, she invites us all to recognize the value of our languages and to take action in their preservation, ensuring that they continue to thrive in the hearts of those who come after us.
