By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Learning a new language can often feel daunting. You might find yourself asking, where do I start? How do I stay consistent? The Tulalip Tribes’ Lushootseed Department has looked closely at those very questions and found a way to help. Their solution is something both modern and deeply cultural: a new Tulalip Lushootseed App, created to make learning our traditional language easier, more engaging, and accessible for everyone.
As someone who’s been exploring the app myself, I can say it feels like a bridge between the past and the present, a tool that makes Lushootseed learning not only possible but also enjoyable. The app greets you with clear categories: greetings, family, foods, animals, and weather. Each section includes spoken examples from fluent speakers, making it easy to hear pronunciation and rhythm —often the most complex parts of learning a new language.
The design itself feels welcoming. Real photos of community members and cultural items replace the stock images you might see in a typical language app, grounding each lesson in Tulalip’s own identity. There’s also a section called “Culture Notes,” where short explanations and visuals offer a deeper understanding of the teachings behind certain words. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary; it’s about learning the meaning and story carried within each word.
One of my favorite parts is how interactive it feels. The app includes quizzes, audio games, and a search bar that lets you look up any word you’ve heard in conversation or at a community event. For example, I was able to find the Lushootseed word for “friend” quickly, listen to how it’s said, and then test myself in one of the mini-games. These small learning moments add up, and the repetition helps the words stick.
What stands out most is the app’s flexibility. You don’t need to set aside a whole class or schedule time with a teacher to learn; you can open it whenever you have a few spare minutes, while you’re drinking your coffee, sitting in the car, or winding down in the evening. Every word you learn, even just one a day, strengthens your connection to Tulalip’s language and heritage.
The Lushootseed Department has long been dedicated to revitalizing dxʷləšucid, the language of this land, through classroom lessons, songs, signage, and storytelling. This app is the next natural step in that journey, a way to reach people of all ages and learning styles, including those who might not have had the chance to take in-person classes.
For anyone who has ever thought, “I’d love to learn Lushootseed, but I don’t know where to start, this app is your invitation. It’s available now for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Once downloaded, it’s as simple as pressing play and repeating after the speaker. Start small, learn a few words, and grow from there.
Language is more than communication; it’s a reflection of who we are as a people. The Lushootseed app ensures that our words, our songs, and our stories can continue to be shared, spoken, and heard, no matter where we are.