Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), the language traditionally spoken by the the people of the Ho-Chunk Nation, formerly the Wisconsin Winnebago, is one of five aboriginal languages spoken in the state of Wisconsin and part of a larger Souian language family found only in North America. The Ho-Chunk are descendants of the Effigy mound builders and retain a strong oral tradition that places them within the landscape of the upper midwest since time immemorial. With less than 80 fluent speakers remaining, contemporary efforts from both outside and within the tribal government are being pursued by Hoocąk speakers and teachers to stabilize and revitalize this language of resilience.
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WHERE TO START
Department:
American Indian & Indigenous Studies Program
Contact:
American Indian & Indigenous Studies Director, Denise Wiyaka
denise.wiyaka@wisc.edu
Intro Class:
AMER IND 308: Beginner Level Hoocak/Ho-Chunk Language
If you have background in Ho-Chunk, either through formal study, informal study, or as a heritage learner, contact the advisor listed above for placement information.
CERTIFICATE
LANGUAGE TABLE
Contact Laura Red Eagle, lredeagle@wisc.edu, for details. More information here!
Homąąšją (ho-mawsh-jah): resilience; strength within