Voices from Our 
Learning Community

“This course is excellent. The online format, the organization, the videos and exercises are very well done. I feel more confident with basic Chickasaw and a better understanding of introductory information on the history of the Chickasaw and Chickasaw identity.” 

"Going through the lessons clarified things for me, that I had learned during speaking. Having Office Hours motivates me to get stuff done.”

“This course helped to reinforce things that have been learned through speaking, and provided a greater understanding of how words and sentences are created. The …lessons are brief and it’s easy to complete small segments at a time…while the lessons are short, they are still full of information and I found it helpful to rewatch them to ensure I understand each lesson.” 

Before...,I completed a small portion of...Rosetta Stone, but that's not my preferred way to learn.  I've made great progress over the last 9 months. Having a scheduled class created the accountability I needed to progress.

Sherrie has helped us understand the ins and outs of Chickasaw grammar, including answering all of the exercises in the grammar book … When you want to learn Chickasaw, sign up for Sherrie's classes!

"Thank you to Faniʼ Iskannoʼsiʼ. Her years of teaching, commitment to the language, and care for her students shows and she directed our class exceptionally well."

"Sherrie Begay is a kind, hard working, wonderful teacher.”

"Fani' Iskanno'si'/Sherrie Begay is an exceptional person and a wonderful teacher. Her passion for the preservation of the Chickasaw language is generously given to every student in every class. I'm honored to be learning the language of my ancestors from her.”

"(Before this course, it was a…) challenge to learn Chickasaw…(Now…) I’ve made some friendly connections with other students and now have the ability to practice … Chickasaw”

"(Sherrie) has inspired me to keep learning, and has given me confidence in what I do know.”

The check your work is great so you can see where you messed up and correct it. I like how you go over a topic and it'll get brought up later so that it stays fresh in your mind. Exercises and quizzes aren't intimidating. I like that the quiz will tell you where you went wrong. Videos and lessons are not overwhelming.”

"This program is fantastic! I love that it is self-paced and I can go back over what I didn't understand. The videos are short and to the point and it's so easy to watch several in a row. The teaching is easy to understand and makes learning enjoyable.” 

“This is the best single source for learning Chickasaw grammar. Explanation of grammar in clear and concise words. I understand the reasons behind some of the rules much better.” 

I have been trying different methods for learning ...the past 10 years...I found it incredibly dispiriting...(In this course) I learned more my first few months than all my previous attempts combined.

I came into this class feeling nervous and now I feel great and accomplished that I want to continue to learn more about the language. This is something that I can pass on to my family.

“I tried learning the language on my own and was quickly overwhelmed. The online class supported, challenged, and inspired me and it made learning the language fun!"

"Sherrie Begay's classes took me from unable to speak any Chickasaw at all, to fluidly being able to create sentences and speak Chickasaw in real time. I'm able to have conversations in Chickasaw with other speakers, in a meaningful way...My friends and family connections have been strengthened by my ability to speak Chickasaw ... with them. My ability to read and write in Chickasaw has also really taken off. These Chickasaw classes are so valuable.”

"I really appreciate the supportive environment our instructor created for us… The approach helps you ... to communicate simple everyday things quickly. Having the ability to hear the words along with learning the root meanings and having other students to interact with was extremely beneficial.” 

"My grandfather and grandmother’s first language was Chickasaw…This class helped me to know how they felt about me. And that is precious. Especially since they have passed, these lessons I am thankful for because now I know what they were saying in OUR language.” 

"Your course has been invaluable to help me get a grasp on the foundation of our language. I LOVED IT!!! The content of the videos and everything has been wonderful! My life is super crazy so the self paced aspect has been amazing for me.” 

"The self-paced program is really convenient, nice for review of things I've already learned, and nice to learn new things in a different way. The written exercises help get things in my brain...I like how the Office Hours is so accessible by having recordings available or sending in questions. Being able to communicate with other participants adds a lot of value…"

I didn't understand how Chickasaw flows or how to put words together in an understandable way. (Now) I have a stronger grasp on Chickasaw and feel more connected to my culture.

I had done some Rosetta Stone...but... often left with more questions about how to say things than answers. The course showed that it actually could be possible to learn, speak, and preserve Chikashshanompa'...this...is an impeccable resource ...

It's hard to...progress solo.  (Now) I have...learned to speak some Chickasaw and the class is a great stress reliever. It is lots of fun and very low pressure.

"Sherrie's teaching methods are phenomenal! They have been really helpful for me to make the connection between my mind and my mouth and actually start speaking Chickasaw."

"I can't say enough good about Sherrie Begay's Chickasaw classes. I have learned so much about our language and our culture and along the way made some very good friends. Sherrie always makes her students feel comfortable about speaking and turns what could be embarrassing moments into learning experiences. I would definitely recommend her classes. Take them if you can!”

"(Before this course, I…) Knew very few words. (Now I am…) Beginning to learn to think like a Chickasaw and able to understand some sentences. It was a very positive experience “ 

"Being in the Chickasaw classes online helps with the speech and pronunciation of the language. I didn't grow up around anyone who spoke the language and started studying and learning the language later in life. It has really been a huge help!”