Students learn through “Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru” (CHamoru language competition)

The annual “Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru” (CHamoru language competition), took place at the University of Guam on Charter Day. Hundreds of students from the Marianas gathered to compete against each other in the different categories of storytelling, oratorial, singing, and poetry.

For more than 20 years, the Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru, has been a space for CHamoru speakers to gather in order to positively recognise and compete in CHamoru speaking and singing, according to Michael Lujan Bevacqua, PhD, CHamoru studies assistant professor.

Bevacqua, co-chair of Inacha’igen Fino’  CHamoru, said that during competitions, each participant receives a certificate and the top three winners receive medals. When funds are available trophies are given to schools that win in certain categories.

“There are not many places where students receive positive reinforcement for taking pride in speaking and singing in CHamoru,” Bevacqua said.

“Competitions such as the Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru are important since they provide strong and tangible support for language and cultural revitalization movements,” Bevacqua said.

Fu’una Sanz Chamoru nStudies student and former Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru participate, says that Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru allows students to understand the value of the CHamoru language.

“Many of students don’t practice speaking the language at home, competitions such as these create opportunities for learning beyond the classroom,” Sanz said.

“Competitions such as these breathe new life,” Sanz said. “Students who participate will see that the CHamoru language is not something that is only spoken by ‘manamko’ but a language that is relevant to their generation, “ Sanz added. 

JQ San Miguel CHamoru teacher, Señora Melissa Camacho, said that competitions such as Inacha’igen Fino’ CHamoru creates an extension for our students to practice and perpetuate the CHamoru culture.

“My students get to share their talents and knowledge as well as learn from other students,” Camacho said.