In the Northern Marianas, efforts are underway to preserve the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian languages by reviving a special commission focusing on the languages.
A Chamorro canoe Photo: Mark Rabago
Last week, the Chamorro/Carolinian Language Policy Commission met with representatives of the Indigenous Affairs Office, Carolinian Affairs Office, and the Public School System to discuss their nominees for the body.
It has been almost seven years since the commission had members.
A language survey done in the community last year illustrated the urgency of the commission's work, as the languages are slowly dying.
Commission members must be able to translate English into written and spoken Chamorro or Carolinian.
The list of nominees will be finalised at the next meeting.
