Program Overview

Introduction to the Diploma Program

The undergraduate Diploma in Indigenous Language Proficiency (DINLP) is designed for students who wish to acquire high intermediate to advanced oral proficiency in a particular Indigenous language. The program aims to revitalize languages in communities by contributing to restore intergenerational transmission through institutional and family-oriented use of the language, to teach this language in schools or to adult learners, and to develop resources for First Nations Language learners at all levels.

Program Details

The diploma can be completed on a full or part-time basis and consists of 30 upper division units to achieve at least an intermediate oral proficiency and minimum 2.0 GPA.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for the DINLP is completion of the SFU 27-unit undergraduate Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency (CINLP). Students who have completed a Certificate equivalent to the SFU CINLP at other postsecondary institutions, or who undergo a Prior Learning Assessment and demonstrate skills in the language equivalent to at least low intermediate language proficiency according to ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and CEFR (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) or similar benchmarks, may also be admitted into the DINLP.

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement in the DINLP may be obtained through course challenge, provided the applicant undergoes assessment equivalent to what is required of regular students (including a Language Proficiency Assessment, where required). Subject to a Letter of Permission, and subject to not having used transfer credit towards a credential at another university, students may apply to use up to 9 units of transfer credit from other institutions. Credit may be applied to a specific language and is achieved by examination from an instructor in that language with the approval of the Program.

Program Requirements

Advising for this certificate is provided by the Department of Linguistics through the Indigenous Languages Program Office (INLP). Students should plan their program in consultation with the Indigenous Languages Program Advisor.

Languages

Courses offered in cooperation with local Indigenous communities and language authorities include the following languages:

• Bak̕wa̱mk̕ala (Port Hardy)
• Haíɫzaqvḷa (Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk), Bella Bella)
• Hənq̓əmín̓əm (Downriver)
• Hul'q'umi'num' (Vancouver Island)
• Han, Dene, Kaska, Northern and Southern Tutchon, Gwit'chin, Tàgish, Tlingit, Upper Tanana (Yukon)
• Eastern Secwepemctsin (Chase)
• Western Secwepemctsin (Kamloops, Williams Lake)
• Skwxwú7mesh Snichim (Squamish)
• Xaad Kil (Haida Gwaii/Old Masset)
• Halq'emeylem - Upriver (Chilliwack)
• Nsyilxcən (Okanagan)
• Nuxalk (Bella Coola)
• St'at'imcets (Lillooet)
• Tsilhqot'in (Williams Lake)

Courses in other locations and/or in other languages may be offered at the request of the communities/organizations.