The University of Guam Press is launching Finu’ Chamorro for Beginners by Dr. Faye Untalan under their Proa Publications imprint at Northern Marianas College (NMC) in Saipan.
Finu’ Chamorro is a thorough and hands-on instructional guide with language exercises for CHamoru language learners of all levels. It is the first post-secondary CHamoru language curriculum created with contributions from an expert panel of CHamoru scholars, instructors, and fluent native speakers.
“Not able to learn their language at home, Chamorro youths look to schools, places and opportunities to learn their native language. The Finu’ Chamorro textbook is a resource for all Chamorros who desire to learn their language,” says Untalan, who is a pioneer and leading expert on the CHamoru language and has widely-published research on CHamoru culture and diaspora in the United States.
Untalan shares that the book’s content and lessons not only cover language and orthographic rules of the NMI but also offer a glimpse into the diverse traditions of the Chamorro people.
“Young Chamorros living in a multicultural society seek cultural identifiers to establish their identity. Knowing their language affirms their identity,” says Untalan. “We need to develop resources and opportunities for our youths who want to learn Chamorro, their native language.”
The event will include an author signing and a discussion of the text with a panel of leading experts on CHamoru language and culture that includes Untalan; Leo Pangelinan, Executive Director of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council; Dr. Barbara Hunter, Interim Director of the School of Business at NMC; and Manny Borja, a long-standing CHamoru author, advocate, and educator.
Details for the book’s launch on Guåhan are forthcoming. Guåhan-based patrons interested in attending are encouraged to follow UOG Press on Instagram and Facebook at @uogpress for updates.
Pre-orders of Finu’ Chamorro for Beginners are available now for a special launch price of $45 at uogpress.com.
For CNMI-based orders and inquiries, please contact Kevin Bautista, Executive Director of the Office of the President at NMC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (670) 237-6703; for all other inquiries contact UOG Press Publicist Via De Fant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (671) 735-2153.
About University of Guam Press
The University of Guam Press publishes an array of academic and literary books and journals with a specific focus on the unique history, environment, peoples, cultures, and languages of the islands that make up the Western Pacific region. Visit uogpress.com to learn more about them and browse their wide selection of local art and literature.