Language plays an extremely large role in many different cultures. Aboriginal cultures are no exception. Unfortunately however Aboriginal language proficiency has deteriorated throughout Canadian history – consider the impacts of Residential Schools. For many years, Aboriginal children were forced to leave their homes and attend Residential Schools where they were shunned and sometimes abused for speaking their mother tongue. Because of this, there were generations who were unable to communicate with their families when they returned home from Residential Schools and unable to fluently pass their mother tongue onto their children. To read more about the impacts of Residential Schools you can visit my first blog. Thankfully, the Aboriginal Languages Initiative is resisting the loss of languages. In fact, the program has supported a resurgence of Mi’kmaq language in Nova Scotia. This support will assist in educating and cultivating a language that has been in some ways neglected in recent history. This is also a great opportunity for people from different cultures to learn the language.
It is vitally important to invest in saving these languages now, while there are still individuals proficient in the language and capable of handing it off to new generations. With Mi’kmaq language being among the 10 most commonly spoken Aboriginal languages there is still a number of Mi’kmaq speakers capable of developing training programs. According to the 2011 Census, in Nova Scotia approximately 4, 840 individuals consider Mi’kmaq one of their spoken languages.
As with many languages, dialects differ among different communities and regions. However, many of the basic principles remain the same. As I have learned while picking the brains of some Mi’kmaq friends, many Mi’kmaq words cannot be directly translated into English words as they often serve to represent a larger concept. Mi’kmaq language is also spoken with a much more cyclical pattern than the linear thought progressions described in English.
In knowing these potential language barriers, a few adjustments that I will apply to my nursing practice include to give patients the time to tell their story. Consider the cyclical thought pattern and some of the challenges with direct translation into English words. Asking someone who may speak Mi’kmaq at home to describe the story of what has brought them to the emergency department may take some extra time, not only to find the English words but to try and translate a cyclical thought into a linear statement. It may also be necessary at times to consider arranging a translator to assist in the conversations.
For your own practice, interest and enjoyment, I had a friend translate some phrases that you may find helpful in your healthcare practice. Remember- different communities may have different spelling or pronunciation of these phrases.
Hello/Hi – Kwe’
Thank you – Wela’lin
How are you? – Me’tal-wlein?
I’m sorry – Meskeyi
Where is it sore? – Tami Kejimqwan?
Where does it hurt? – Tami Kesa’sik?
You’re welcome – Weliaq
Can I help you? – Kisi Apoqnmultis?
Let me help you – Ke Apuqnmulap
Thank you – Wela’lin
To hear these phrases click here
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