culture

Blogging to save a language

Using technology and the Internet to learn, teach Navajo

By Carmenlita Chief
Special to the Times

PROVO, Utah, July 21, 2011

Sometimes, it takes a great book or documentary film to motivate an individual to create something meaningful for the benefit of their family, their people, or the world at large.

For Krystal Seschillie, 29, of Crownpoint, it simply took a single Navajo word and a sprinkle of frustration to spark a personal endeavor to help other Navajos learn their language utilizing available tools of technology and the Internet.

In 2005, Seschillie was close to completing her undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, where she was studying public health and health science.

One day, one of Seschillie's close friends informed her that her sister, Carmen, would be relocating to BYU from Mexico to study English as a second language at the school's English Language Center.

With more time on her hands that year, Seschillie decided she could serve as Carmen's English tutor. During one study session, a conversation ensued between the two about Seschillie being Navajo.

"We talked about the culture, and about clans," she said.

The conversation eventually meandered onto the subject of simple English words, and how to say their equivalent in the Navajo language.

One particular word waited around the corner like a mischievous foot waiting to trip the unsuspecting 'at'ééd.

"She asked me how to say 'friend' in Navajo," Seschillie recalled.

The BYU graduate remembered combing through her mind in search of the word. When she finally opened her mouth to respond, she was bewildered when nothing emerged, and thought to herself in shock, "Oh my gosh! I don't know how to say 'friend' in Navajo!"