Uŋčí Wóslolye: Launching a Lakota Language Learning App for the Wakanyeja
Yesterday, Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci had the pleasure of hosting Jonathan Lu alongside his family as they announced the launch of a new Lakota language learning app called, Uŋčí Wóslolye. The app is designed by Lakota and made for the Lakota Oyate. Developed by Jonathan Lu, the app is tailored for children from pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade, but its engaging content and interactive features make it enjoyable for learners of all ages, even adults who are on their journey to revitalize their Lakota language.
At Heȟlóǧeča Wóihaŋble (Hollow Horn Visions), their mission is to promote the use of the Lakota language and culture in safe digital spaces. The new app, Uŋčí Wóslolye achieves this by offering 12 interactive mini-games that are not only fun but also educational. These games cover a wide range of topics, including counting from 1-10, basic math (addition and subtraction up to 100), the alphabet with sounds and words, animals, fruits, vegetables, shapes, colors, various foods, household items, and even sentence building with a comprehension strategy. It’s also important to note that there are three different orthographies available within the app, the standard Lakota orthography, Siċaƞġu orthography, and the White Hat orthography.
During Jonathans presentation, he shared a heartfelt message in which he dedicated Uŋčí Wóslolye to Tristan Van Lu (12), his son, who tragically lost his life last year. Jonathan shared, “Tristan was the inspiration behind this project and with much honor this game was released in his memory. This is for all of our Lakota boys with braids.”
As the Wakanyeja watched the presentation with curiosity and excitement, Jonathan also highlighted their partners who are known as two of the largest Lakota immersion schools in the state of South Dakota, Maȟpíya Lúta Hukhúčiyela Owáyawa (Red Cloud Indian School) and Siċaŋġu Co’s Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci. They were instrumental in bringing in the Lakota voice actors, various orthographies, funding, and most importantly the inspiration for our Wakanyeja and the stories they wanted to hear. We’d like to give a special shout out to our team members Sage Fast Dog, Foster Cournoyer-Hogan, Robert Bordeaux, and Rachel Kent who helped bring these Lakota language efforts and resources forward.
Each of these organizations’ collaboration has helped bring Uŋčí Wóslolye to life!
Uŋčí Wóslolye goes beyond language learning; it supports students' Lakota language journey in and outside the classroom. More importantly, it offers a much needed sense of cultural representation and identity for Lakota children. They see themselves in the game—little boys and girls with brown skin and braids, Lakota designs adorning the walls, their beloved Unci (grandmother) present, and the healthy foods that nourish them all featured within the app. Jonathan Lu envisions in the near future where students will encounter their Lakota creation stories within the app, further deepening their connection to their Lakota way of life.
Jonathan also plans to release a short video walkthrough to further assist teachers and parents in utilizing the app effectively. From the very first interaction in meeting Jonaathan, he shared that he is asking for feedback, suggestions, and ideas as they continue to develop Uŋčí Wóslolye, with plans for season 2 already underway to add more content for 3rd to 6th grade language learners.
It was a beautiful day in celebrating the launch of Uŋčí Wóslolye, we are filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought all of us here. This app is more than just a tool for learning; it is a testament to the resilience and beauty of the Lakota language and our ongoing efforts to revitalize every part of us that make us Lakota. We thank Jonathan for his vision, perseverance, and openness to work alongside his communities to make this app possible. We also thank our partners and supporters who help make this work possible. Your support is not just helping us grow; it's also helping us cultivate growth in the dreams and visions of others.
