Written By Kylie Franklin
As the 2027 spring semester classes open for registration, students that are looking for a class to fulfill their language requirement or are interested in learning a new language should turn their attention to Tuscarora Language Class. Tuscarora is offered here at SUNY Niagara as a credited language class for students interested in signing up. The class is taught by Professor Chris Burnham, who incorporates the culture into the class as well. The class focuses on giving students a basic understanding of the structure of Tuscarora and how to speak simple conversation.
Two semesters ago, the Tuscarora Language Class was created. The class was intended to offer indigenous students from the Tuscarora Nation a chance to help keep the language alive in the young generations of indigenous youth. Due to how close SUNY Niagara is to the Tuscarora Reservation, there are many Tuscarora students that enroll at the college. After middle/high school there is not much academically for Tuscarora students who have been taking classes and learning the language in their academic career. With this class, there is now a place where students can continue their education in Tuscarora while being recognized for their work.
When asking Professor Burnham what his main goal for new students in the class would be, he responded with: “First and foremost, just to be in love with the language. If I could share my love with them about the language, I would, and I really try to any time I teach it. It’s so beautiful, it’s so rich, it’s so strong. There are things you can say in Tuscarora that don’t necessarily have a one for one translation into English.” he continues “Secondly, my only other purpose in my eyes is that they understand how the language works, because Tuscarora is very different than English, in its construction and its format and everything. It’s very different. And those two things to me are the priority, that they love the language, and that they understand how the language operates”
While the language itself is a bit difficult compared to other languages, the class is intended for beginners. Almost all beginner language classes are never aimed to produce fluent and flawless speakers initially, but rather the building blocks to achieve such a feat. Tuscarora class is no different, giving students not only their first steps into the Tuscarora language, but the culture and places to learn and immerse their future in Tuscarora. It gives students an environment
The class is welcome to everyone, no matter their background or heritage. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up. “Have an open mind. Tuscarora is difficult as a language. You can’t compare it to Spanish or French or German, because the very makeup of those languages are different.” Mr. Burnham says to any interested students, “I would encourage anyone taking this class just to have an open mind and be patient. It’s a really beautiful language and is well worth anyone’s time specifically for this language because it’s a language that can be used. The people are just down the road”
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