Author: Schyuler Lujan

Learning to speak, read and write Chamorro while creating digital materials to support our worldwide learning community.

Fanékungok yan si Dabit: I Tinituhon

On By Schyuler LujanIn Chamorro VoicesLeave a comment

My friend Dabit Taitingfong just launched a new podcast, Fanékungok yan si Dabit, where he chats with different guests entirely in Chamorro. He created this podcast to make more Chamorro conversations accessible online, and in the first few episodes, he speaks with second-language learners. To support this podcast, consider visiting his online tip jar!

This post includes a Chamorro transcription of the first episode, I Tinituhon, which was done by our friend Alicia Aguigui Dart. She was the one who started our original Saturday evening study groups at the end of 2020, and for years, when I had to pause my own learning, she kept the online space thriving—keeping my learning going too. Whenever she can, she’ll be transcribing episodes and has generously allowed me to share them here on the blog. To support her amazing work, please visit her online tip jar!

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First Encounter With Magellan

On By Schyuler LujanIn Chamorro Stories2 Comments

The history of our islands and people have been framed so often from the Western, colonial gaze that it can be easy to forget the indigenous perspective. March 6th marks the anniversary of when the Chamorro people first encountered – and generously aided – Magellan and his starving crew. Yet it is how Magellan chose to label the cultural misunderstandings between our people and the Spaniards which has so often defined the larger historical narrative. So in this story, written by Brigida D.L. Guerrero, we get to read a rare piece of historical fiction in the Chamorro language that tells of this encounter from the Chamorro perspective. I found this story in the UH Manoa Pacific Languages Collection, and hope you enjoy it! This post includes the Chamorro text and a Chamorro audio narration by Jay Che’le.

The English Translation is forthcoming! I have not posted the translation yet because we I underestimated how long it would take to do and haven’t finished it yet.

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Kåntan Chamoru: Mangginen Manu

On By Schyuler LujanIn Chamorro SongsLeave a comment

Last week, our Saturday evening practice group transcribed this song Mangginen Manu by Daniel De Leon Guerrero, where he sings about contemporary problems facing the island of Guam at the time of the song’s release. It’s an excellent example of how Chamorro music is much deeper than simply creating “good island vibes.” While creating nice, feel-good tunes is definitely part of Chamorro songwriting, being able to speak to the current moment with wit, rhythm, and rhyme is also significant. In this song we get a sampling of some sharp social commentary and criticism of the institutions and behaviors that are responsible for the welfare of the island and its people. This post includes Chamorro lyrics and an English translation for Mangginen Manu sung by Daniel De Leon Guerrero. Happy listening!

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Virtual One-on-One Chamorro Language Lessons Now Available

On By Schyuler LujanIn Study Tips1 Comment

Our Saturday practice group finished reading and translating I Derechon i Taotao this morning, which means there is no new story for this week. I have also noticed a huge spike in views and audio downloads on the blog – Un dångkulo na si Yu’os ma’åse todus hamyo! A big thank you to all of you! It is truly a beautiful thing to see so much activity on this blog, which shows how much people are wanting to learn and use our language.

There are also some people who have reached out to me directly, wanting to know how they can learn Chamorro. If you are interested in group practice and study, you are more than welcome to join our Saturday (PST) practice groups on Zoom. Just fill out the Contact Form to express interest.

But if you are looking for something more personalized, there is a new and unique learning resource now available: Individual Chamorro language instruction for adult language learners, offered by our friend Jesus Lujan. He is based on Guam but offers instruction virtually, which is an incredible opportunity for anyone off-island to receive personalized Chamorro language help from a trustworthy teacher. Whether you are needing more conversation practice or are starting from level zero, his sessions can be a great support in reaching your Chamorro language goals. And if you would like to learn with a group, he also offers group discounts. Contact him today to secure your spot!

65 Words for Accessories & Clothing in Chamorro (with Audio Pronunciations)

On By Schyuler LujanIn Word ListsLeave a comment

In this post, we will learn 65 Chamorro different words for clothes and accessories, including basic terms for everyday items and materials commonly used for clothing. Each word includes an English translation and audio pronunciations by Jay Che’le. Happy studying!

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