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Christmas Tradition In Alaska
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Some people love this time of year when you can hear your favorite Christmas songs. How would it feel if you thought you might never hear that music again? On some levels, that’s how the native Inupiaq (ee new pee ock) people in Alaska feel. Their ancient language is quickly disappearing, and as Reed Galin reports, one small church choir is trying to save those sounds for future generations. |
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SCRIPT:
Music in Inupiaq
language: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
The tune is familiar, though the words may not be.
Nat sound: singing
The Inupiaq (EE-NEW-PEE-OCK) language is one of the most challenging in
the world to learn, encompassing centuries of Eskimo culture and
tradition,
Esther Bourdon/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “To young people,
it’s a very difficult language now.”
To preserve their heritage, members of Nome, Alaska’s Community United
Methodist Church have spent decades translating hymns into Inupiaq. Not
an easy process.
The Rev. Lucy Barton/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “It has
sounds that we don’t use in English. When it’s written, the words get
very, very long.”
Pastor Lucy Barton has spent six years learning to speak her
congregation’s native language. The choir often sings at special events
and funerals…dressed in traditional Eskimo attire.
The Rev. Lucy Barton: “We have kind of made the kuspuk our choir robe,
you might say.”
Choir members appreciate their pastor’s support, but they need more
young people to join their ranks.
Esther Bourdon/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “It’s going away
pretty fast I think.”
The Rev. Lucy Barton/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “There have
been a number of people during the 6 ½ years that I have been here who
have died, and I have looked at the group and wondered if we were going
to be able to continue it.”
Pastor Barton says learning the language has brought her closer to the
congregation she serves.
The Rev. Lucy Barton: “This choir has absolutely been probably the most
special part of serving here. It’s been wonderful.”
Music in Inupiaq language: “Joy to the World”
TAG:
Of the approximately 13,000 Inupiaq (EE-NEW-PEE-OCK) in Alaska, only
about 3,000 speak the language.
For more information, contact the Alaska Missionary Conference of the
United Methodist Church at:
http://www.alaskaumc.com.