SPECIAL REPORT Translating Tradition: The Quechan Language

The Quechan language is one of 74 native languages across the nation on the brink of extinction.

BBC News reports that about 25 world languages die each year.

In Yuma, members of the Fort-Yuma Quechan tribe says currently there are less than 100 fluent native speakers of the language.

That is why members are trying to keep that tradition alive by way of a new program that they integrate into students’ everyday curriculum.

According to the tribe’s website, the Quechan Language Preservation Program is a community-based project, initiated by tribal members. Their wishes in forming a committee were to see a Language Program that would support language and traditional cultural education simultaneously. Language Classes are taught at the old Fort Yuma Indian School on the hill. The instructors go to places such as the Head Start and San Pasqual Schools to teach the Quechan Language.
The Kwatsáan Language Preservation Program’s goal is to provide a means for learning and preserving the Native Language and ancestral traditions. Class Schedules:
Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Adults and Children
Classes are held at the Old Head Start Building located at Indian Hill.

Alphabet and Pronunciation of Quechan Language: Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6