Language Classes

For information on the Indigenous Language Proficiency Program offered in partnership with Simon Fraser University, visit the Language Training page.

Registration for Winter 2023 courses open November 7 – 30, 2022, for Yukon First Nations Language Proficiency Programs.

Course Offerings

Winter 2023

Important Information

Winter 2023 course registration opens November 7, 2023, and closes November 30, 2023, at 4:00 PM.

Winter 2023 courses run from January 16, 2023, until April 14, 2023.

Course schedules will be posted under Course Offerings as they are finalized with instructors. Students are encouraged to register for courses even if the course schedule is not posted – this informs the YNLC of course interest.

Registrants will be contacted with enrolment confirmation, finalized course schedules and additional information prior to the course start date.

Language Courses

INLG 134 – Yukon First Nation Language Level 2

This course is the second part of an introduction to the study of a Yukon First Nation Language, with a focus on learners gaining oral competence in the language (speaking and listening skills). Building on the vocabulary, phrases and sentence patterns they learned and practised in INLG 133 – Level 1, students are expected to acquire an additional set of some 250 new vocabulary items, and to increase their accuracy and confidence in recognizing and pronouncing the sounds of their First Nations language in oral communication involving short statements, questions and prompts. Through sustained practice with written flashcards and simple sight-reading materials, students will also gain basic skills in working with the orthography of their First Nations Language. At this level, language production will be based on memorized repertoire (short sentences and statements), although students will continue to work on creative and spontaneous speech in question-and-answer sets and in following and giving prompts in oral communication activities.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed INLG 133 – Language Level 1 to be able to enroll in this course or complete an assessment to show they meet an equal low-beginner proficiency level.

Course Offerings

  • Kaska Level 2 – Times & Dates TBA
  • Dan Kʼe (Southern Tutchone) Level 2 – Times & Dates TBA

INLG 200 – Introduction to Grammar in a Yukon First Nation Language

A practical overview of the grammar of a Yukon First Nations language based on linguistic principles for those desiring basic knowledge of language structure, grammatical categories and grammatical analysis. This course is particularly suited for students interested in learning and teaching a First Nations language.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed INLG 134 – Language Level 2 mid-beginner to be able to enroll in this course or complete an assessment to show they meet an equal proficiency level.

Course Offerings

  • Dan Kʼe (Southern Tutchone) Introduction to Grammar – Times & Dates TBA
  • Kaska Introduction to Grammar – Times & Dates TBA *New Offering*

INLG 234 – Yukon First Nation Language Level 4

An intermediate course in the structure of a Yukon First Nations language, including writing systems, texts, general linguistic properties, and language family. Students will create spontaneous, connected sentences that include possessives, classificatory verbs, terms for qualities (long, heavy, light), and various person markers.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed INLG 233 – Language Level 3 to be able to enroll in this course or complete an assessment to show they meet an equal high-beginner proficiency level.

Course Offerings

  • Kaska Level 4 – Times & Dates TBA
  • Dan Kʼe (Southern Tutchone) Level 4 – Times & Dates TBA
  • Tlingít Level 4 – Times & Dates TBA

Topics Courses

INLG 435 – Language Recording, Translating, and Transcribing

This course is a continuation of Language Learning and Recordings/File and Technology Management. Students will practice using video and audio recorders to produce short language recordings of fluent speakers or learners. Students will learn about audio and video production workflow, including identifying topics, creating an outline or script for elicitation, conducting video and audio recording sessions, editing video and audio in ELAN, and managing audio and video data.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed INLG 335 – Language Learning and Recordings/File and Technology Management to be able to enrol in this course or have experience with language recording and editing technology.

Times & Dates TBA

How to register

Registration Forms will be posted below on November 7, 2022.

New Students
Please fill out the Registration Form in full and select your courses.

If you have never taken an INLG course through YNLC and you would like University Credit through Simon Fraser University, be sure to select New Student and Yes, you would like university credit. Follow the steps to download the Simon Fraser University Application and YNLC Consent Forms and email to info@ynlc.ca once you have submitted your course Registration Form.

Continuing Students
Please fill out the Registration Form in full and select your courses.

If you have never taken an INLG course for University Credit through Simon Fraser University and would like credit, please email info@ynlc.ca once you have submitted your course Registration Form requesting Simon Fraser University Applications forms.

Registration Forms will close on November 30, 2022, at 4:00 PM.

Go to the full page to view and submit the form.

Summer 2023

Important Information

This summer, YNLCʼs team will be busy creating new courses and curricula for adult language learners during the 2023/2024 academic year! We are excited to see you all in the various language classes offered to start in the Fall. Registration for the Fall 2023 term will be posted in July 2023, so keep an eye on this page for updates.

All courses are subject to Instructor and Fluent Speaker availability. In adherence to COVID-19 guidelines classes will be offered at YNLC or the community of Instructor & Online using Zoom video conferencing. Yukon First Nation citizens/beneficiaries, language teacher trainees and continuing students will be given priority. Tuition and student fees are provided for Yukon First Nation citizens/beneficiaries. Vacant seats are open to the public at course cost.

Should you require credits for courses taken previously, arrangements can be made upon request. Please contact YNLCʼs Language Training Officers, Kelsey Jaggard at kjaggard@ynlc.ca or Chantelle Blackjack at cblackjack@ynlc.ca.

For more information, please contact YNLC:

Physical Address: Yukon University – Ayamdigut Campus
Mailing Address: Box 2799 | Whitehorse, Yukon YT | Y1A 5K4
Phone: 867-668-8820
Fax: 867-668-8825
Email: info@ynlc.ca