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First Nations Language Proficiency
This program is for students who wish to acquire conversational and literacy skills in a particular First Nations language, to teach this language in schools, or to enhance their language for cultural reasons or professional objectives.
The certificate can be completed on a full or part time basis.
Advanced placement through course challenge to a maximum of nine units is possible for fluent speakers. Credit may be applied to a specific language and is achieved by examination from an instructor in that language with the approval of the department.
Advising for this certificate is provided at the Department of First Nations Studies. Students should plan their program in consultation with the First Nations studies advisor (first_nations@sfu.ca).
Program Requirements
The certificate consists of 27 units. At least 12 must be earned by completing courses in the First Nations language itself.
Students complete or achieve equivalent credit for the following.
Practical training in the description of sounds used in language. Prerequisite: Students in the First Nations Studies program should complete FNLG 231 (or LING 231) before FNLG 130. Students with credit for LING 130 may not complete this course for further credit.
Introduces the structure of a First Nations language, including phonetics, vocabulary, word formation, and grammatical constructions. Based on a designated language and usually chosen from the Northwest coast area. Recommended: Students in the First Nations Studies program should complete FNLG 231 before FNLG 130. Students who have completed LING 231 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
A continuation of the introductory course in a First Nations language, including phonetics, vocabulary, word formation, and grammatical constructions. Based on a designated language and will usually be chosen from the Northwest Coast area. Prerequisite: FNLG 231 (or LING 231) in the same language. Students who have completed LING 232 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
An intermediate course in the structure of a First Nations language, including writing systems, texts, general linguistic properties, and language family. Based on a designated language and usually chosen from the Northwest Coast area. Prerequisite: FNLG 232 (or LING 232) or equivalent credit in the same language. Students who have completed LING 331 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
A continuation of the intermediate course in a First Nations language, including writing systems, texts, general linguistic properties, and language family. Based on a designated language and usually chosen from the Northwest Coast area. Prerequisite: FNLG 331 (or LING 331) or equivalent credit in the same language. Students who have completed LING 332 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
An introduction to linguistic analysis. Breadth-Social Sciences.
In addition, students must complete at least nine units selected from the following courses.
Intensive language instruction in a First Nations language at a beginner level. The course will be based on a designated language to be named each time it is taught. Students who have completed LANG 132, 158 or 224 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
Intensive language instruction in a First Nations language at an intermediate level. The course will be based on a designated language to be named each time it is taught. Please inquire at the Department of Linguistics for information on placement. Students who have completed LANG 248 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
Content varies as required by First Nations language communities or learners. Usually focuses on intermediate to advanced level topics on structural aspects of a particular First Nations language, emphasizing language learning and teaching. Prerequisite: FNLG 130 (or LING 130), FNLG 231 (or LING 231), FNLG 332 (or LING 332) or permission of instructor. Recommended: LING 360.
Intended for advanced learners of a particular First Nations language. Offers advanced vocabulary and/or grammatical skills through individualized practice with fluent speakers (usually elders) of that language. Enrolment requires prior approval of the Department of Linguistics and the local First Nations community. Students will be evaluated on the basis of the individualized goals and objects set at the beginning of the course. Prerequisite: FNLG 332 (or LING 332) or permission of course supervisor. Students who have completed LING 433 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
Offers additional advanced vocabulary and/or grammatical skills in the First Nations language through individualized practice with fluent speakers (usually elders) of that language. Prerequisite: FNLG 433 (or LING 433) or permission of course supervisor. Recommended: FNLG 431 and 432. Students who have completed LING 434 for a designated language may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated language.
Content varies as required by First Nations language communities or learners. Usually focuses on advanced level topics on structural aspects of a particular First Nations language, emphasizing language learning and teaching. Prerequisite: LING 220, FNLG 332 (or LING 332) or permission of instructor. Recommended: LING 360, FNLG 431 and 432. Students who have completed LING 435 for a designated topic may not complete this course for further credit for the same designated topic.
An introduction to language in its social and cultural dimensions. Students who have taken LING 260 prior to Fall 2008 may not take LING 160 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Theoretical and practical aspects of second language learning. Prerequisite: LING 220.
Structural and genetic characteristics of aboriginal languages of the Americas, with special emphasis on languages of the Northwest. Detailed examination of one language or language family. Prerequisite: 12 upper division linguistics units. Recommended: LING 323.
Detailed examination of the structure of a selected language. Prerequisite: LING 221 and 222.
Detailed examination of the structure of a selected language. Prerequisite: LING 221 and 222.
1 may be used if the subject matter is the same First Nations language