Introduction to Conversational Lenape for Grown-Ups

About this event

Please note: This event description has been updated to provide additional context about the instructor and the source of the Lenape language instruction. We believe it is important that participants have this information when deciding whether to participate.

Introduction to Conversational Lenape for Grown-Ups

This eight-week course offers an introduction to conversational Lenape through listening and repetition, with an emphasis on speaking rather than formal grammar. Participants will learn greetings and responses, asking for things, numbers, colors, and names of plants and animals. Opportunities to continue studying the language will also be discussed.

Please note that this is an eight-week course. Registration includes all eight sessions.

About the instructor: Mark Ward is a student of the Lenape language under Shelley DePaul and a member of the Teachers’ Academy associated with her work. He has been teaching an online Lenape language class and is grateful for the opportunity to teach in person in this region. A former reporter for the Main Line Times, Mark has a degree in Russian and Classical Civilizations from Trinity College Dublin and lived for many years in Europe.

Additional context: Mark's language training is through Shelley DePaul and the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania (LNPA). The LNPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is not a federally recognized tribe. There are ongoing disagreements among Lenape communities about the LNPA's claims of Lenape identity and representation. The Delaware Nation, a federally recognized Lenape nation, has formally disputed the LNPA’s claims of Lenape nationhood and stated that the LNPA has no recognition, sovereignty, or authority as a Lenape Nation. We are including this information because we believe participants should be aware of the context surrounding the source of this language instruction.

Photography and Video Policy : By registering for or participating in this event, you or those attending with you may be photographed or recorded on video that will be used for library promotional purposes. If you or a member of your group would not like to be photographed, please alert a staff member at the program.