Dictionary Project

Dictionary Project

The Hul'q'umi'num' language was traditionally an oral-only language and is at risk of becoming extinct.  Through the Dictionary Project, Cowichan Tribes is keeping the language alive by:
 
  • Converting the spoken language into a written orthography;
  • Providing community language classes;
  • Increasing the number of Hul'q'umi'num' teachers and speakers;
  • Introducing the Hul'q'umi'num' language in schools; and
  • Providing Cultural Teaching Assistants to the schools.  There are currently seven Cultural Teaching Assistants in schools with a high First Nations enrolment.
 
Most Dictionary Project staff are fluent Hul'q'umi'num' speakers.

Did You Know...

Cowichan Tribes provides a number of Hul'q'umi'num' language classes.  QwiQwal (Big House speakers) was a specialized program teaching the processes and protocols of the Big House.

Participating Schools