Program Overview

Mohawk Language Program

The University of Waterloo offers a Mohawk Language course, which is the first Indigenous language course at the university. This course is offered through Culture and Language Studies, in collaboration with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre at United College.

Course Description

The course is intended for University of Waterloo students in any Faculty or discipline with minimal to no knowledge of Kanien’kéha. The course focuses on the Grand River dialect of Kanien’kéha, emphasizing oral skills.

Course Offerings

• MOHAWK 101R: Mohawk Language 1 This course focuses on the Grand River dialect of Kanien’kéha, emphasizing oral skills. The course is intended for students with minimal to no knowledge of or language ability in Kanien’kéha. As Kanien’kéha is a verb-based, polysynthetic language, this course will also focus on verb construction, verb-morphology patterns, and syntax structures.
  • Note: Conducted in Mohawk. No prior knowledge of Mohawk is expected. Not open to students with advanced ability in Mohawk.
  • Cross-listed with INDG 101, counts toward Indigenous Studies minor
• MOHAWK 102R: Mohawk Language 2 This course will continue to concentrate on developing speaking proficiency at the novice level (according to the ACTFL – American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages proficiency scale). There will be a strong emphasis on speaking in-class, and as Kanien’kéha is a verb-based, polysynthetic language, this course will also focus on verb construction, verb-morphology patterns, and syntax structures.
  • Note: Conducted in Mohawk.
  • Cross-listed with INDG 102, counts toward Indigenous Studies minor

Acknowledgement

With gratitude, we acknowledge that Renison University College is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Hodinohsyó:ni, and Attawandaran (Neutral) Peoples, which is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land granted to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on each side of the Grand River from mouth to source. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place in all corners of our campus through research, learning, teaching, community building, and outreach. We are guided by the work of our Anti-Racism and Decolonization Spokescouncil, and the University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations.