Ho-Chunk (Hoocąk) Native American Language

Ho-Chunk (Hoocak) Native American Language is designed to teach users words and phrases of the Ho-Chunk language. After launching the app, users are provided with three choices that include Language, Search, and Credits. The “Language” option presents users with dozens of categories (e.g., Birth Order, Numbers, Nature, Clans, Food, Animals, etc.), and they are to choose a category by tapping it. At this point, users are presented with options to: (1) “Learn” the language, (2) play “Games” to reinforce their learning, and (3) complete “Quizzes” to evaluate their learning. When learning the language, the app shows users a list of words or phrases that relate to the category selected. Users can then tap on a word or phrase, and the app will pronounce it inHo-Chunk. Users can also hear the word pronounced inHo-Chunk by tapping the “Horn” button. When ready, users can tap the “Microphone” button to record themselves repeating the word or phrase back to the app, and they can hear their pronunciation by tapping the “Play” button after they recorded themselves. If users select the “Games” option, they first must set the difficulty level as easy, medium, or hard. Next, the app presents users with four images and pronounces the subject represented by the image. The app then shuffles the images and pronounces a word or phrase. Users respond by tapping the corresponding image. If users are correct, they advance to the next word or phrase. If they are incorrect, the app pronounces the incorrect word or phrase that was selected and then repeats the word or phrase that users are to identify. The “Quizzes” option evaluates users ability to listen, speak, and read inHo-Chunk. To do so, the app prompts users with images and, depending on which type of quiz was selected, users respond by identifying an image that corresponds with a word or phrase, recording themselves speaking inHo-Chunk, or selecting a word or phrase inHo-Chunk that relates to an image being shown. Returning to the main screen, the “Search” option provides a glossary of English words. When a word is tapped, the app pronounces theHo-Chunk equivalent of the English word. Finally, the “Credits” option provides users with background information related to theHo-Chunk language and this app.

Instructional Ideas

1. When studying theHo-Chunk language, teachers can have students choose different words or phrases from the glossary. Next, teachers can have students create a Frayer Box for the word or phrase that requires students to write the word inHo-Chunk in the middle of the piece of paper, synonyms for the word in the top left, antonyms of the word on the top right, an illustration of the word on the bottom left, and use the word in a sentence on the bottom right. When finished, teachers can hang the Frayer Boxes around the room.
2. As independent practice, teachers can have students complete the different language activities in this app. To do so, teachers can have students select the “Language” option in this app and then have students choose a category of words and phrases that interest them. Next, students can use the different activities in that category to learn the language. When ready, students can complete the assessments, and teachers can make sweeps of the room and meet with students individually to monitor their progress.
3. As an extended learning project, teachers can have students read the “Credits” section included in this app. Next, teachers can facilitate a class conversation about this app by asking: (1) What makes apps that chronicle language used by Native Americans so important?, (2) How else can we work to preserve language?, and (3) What is the connection between language and culture? Students can converse about these questions and then plan actions they can take to further support the efforts of the Ho-Chunk Nation.