Christmas Tradition In Alaska INTRO: Some people love this time of year when you can hear your favorite Christmas songs. How would it feel if you thought you might never hear that music again? On some levels, that’s how the native Inupiaq people in Alaska feel. Their ancient language is quickly disappearing, and as Reed Galin reports, one small church choir is trying to save those sounds for future generations. SCRIPT: Music in Inupiaq language: “O Come All Ye Faithful” The tune is familiar, though the words may not be. The Inupiaq language is one of the most challenging in the world to learn, encompassing centuries of Eskimo culture and tradition, Esther Bourdon/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “To young people, it’s a very difficult language now.” To preserve their heritage, members of Nome, Alaska’s Community United Methodist Church have spent decades translating hymns into Inupiaq. Not an easy process. The Rev. Lucy Barton/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “It has sounds that we don’t use in English. When it’s written, the words get very, very long.” Pastor Lucy Barton has spent six years learning to speak her congregation’s native language. The choir often sings at special events and funerals…dressed in traditional Eskimo attire. The Rev. Lucy Barton: “We have kind of made the kuspuk our choir robe, you might say.” Choir members appreciate their pastor’s support, but they need more young people to join their ranks. Esther Bourdon/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “It’s going away pretty fast I think.” The Rev. Lucy Barton/Nome Community United Methodist Church: “There have been a number of people during the 6 ½ years that I have been here who have died, and I have looked at the group and wondered if we were going to be able to continue it.” Pastor Barton says learning the language has brought her closer to the congregation she serves. The Rev. Lucy Barton: “This choir has absolutely been probably the most special part of serving here. It’s been wonderful.” Music in Inupiaq language: “Joy to the World” TAG: Of the approximately 13,000 Inupiaq in Alaska, only about 3,000 speak the language. For more information, contact the Alaska Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church at: http://www.alaskaumc.com. Also see: Nome congregation keeps native language alive in ministry.
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