Fall 2009
Introduction to the Lenape Language
Linguistics 15
Instructor: Shelley DePaul
Tuesday & Thursday, 2:40 –3:55pm, Pearson 115

Course description:

Lenape is the language of the Native American people who lived in the Delaware Valley for thousands of years before the Europeans arrived.  The course includes conversation, grammar, and usage, as well as discussion of the conceptual elements inherent in this Algonquian language. Topics include the origin of place names in the Delaware Valley, some elements of Lenape culture, songs in the language, and discussion of the current status of Lenape as an endangered language.

This course is part of a language revitalization effort based in Lenape communities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in transcription, archiving, and other projects that contribute to that effort. No prerequisites. One semester, one credit course.

Instructor Shelley DePaul researches and records Lenape bloodlines and genealogical data, with particular emphasis in the geographical area of Northeast Pennsylvania, and the documentation of marriages between Lenape Natives and German Immigrants. She has developed the Lenape Language Curriculum for use in schools,  universities and home school associations.  Shelley teaches Lenape Language classes and workshops and has presented lectures and educational programs on the subject of Lenape History and Culture to schools and universities, environmental organizations, churches, historical societies and youth groups. She was a public school teacher from 1979 until 1997.

 

Click here for more information about the Lenape Nation.