Cahuilla Language (Iviia)

The Iviia Language

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Iviia is the language spoken by the Iviatam people, now known more commonly as Cahuilla.

Though spoken in San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties for millennia, Iviia is now critically endangered.What is Iviia

Where is IviiaSpoken?Iviia is one of many indigenous languages once spoken across Southern California

Southern California is home to three unique Language Families.

These Three Language Families contain dozensof unique languages and dialects

The Three Dialects of Iviia (Cahuilla)Desert Cahuilla: Dialect of Iviia spoken primarily in the Coachella Valley area.

Pass Cahuilla: Dialect of Iviia spoken from the San Timoteo Canyon area to Palm Springs.

Mountain Cahuilla: Dialect of Iviia spoken from the areas of Mt. San Jacinto to Mt. San Ysidro.

How is the loss of their language and consequently their culture affecting the Iviatam People?It has resulted in a sharp deterioration in their awareness of their own cultural identity, place, and their ancestral heritage and history.This in turn has led to a decline in cultural practices and traditions.

Violence, Substance Abuse, and Alcoholism have become prevalent issues facing the Iviatam people as their language, and consequently, their culture have eroded.

Who/what benefits from the the Iviatam peoples loss of their language and culture?There are really only two beneficiaries colonial religions and governments.Christian MissionariesPrimarily Catholic and MoravianColonial expansion, and the efforts of European descendants to absorb Native Americans and their land.Primarily the United States and Spain

Quick history of Iviia, and the the Iviatam PeopleFor the Iviatam people, tribal history is sung, but without the Language, no one will hear itCahuilla Birdsingers performing in Needles, CA 1979

A Birdsong: Deaths Heart Speaking to Coyote

eew kii' maiya naiy-yaablood carrying me will not help

eew kii' maiya naiy-yaablood carrying me will not help

ala tuuq kii' maiya nai-yaaor else the light will go out carrying me will not help

ah kimul kii' maiya nai-yaayou are the portal carrying me will not help

ah kii' maiya nai-yaayou carrying me will not help

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Iviia Language Revivalization

Catherine Sauvel and Jane Penn, the founders of the Malki Museum. The Malki Museum is the oldest museum founded by Native Americans on a reservation in California.

Biff Andreas group, formed in 1974, was instrumental in the revival of Birdsinging.Arkamez Blankenship, founder of the Limu Project, teaching language, history and songs to families, children, and whatever.

Why did I pick this topic?

Biff Andreasnull2006-10-05101043.68