Melanie Frye (Muscogee (Creek) Nation) from Del City, OK is graduating with her Master of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History, and Cultural Knowledge.
Melanie is also the Creek language instructor for the NAS department and is passionate about working for the revitalization and perpetuation of the Mvskoke language. She wants to continue working on the revitalization and perpetuation of the Mvskoke language as well as continuing her education.
Her thesis, "Improving Mvskoke (Creek) Language Learning Outcomes: A Frequency-Based Approach," focuses on second language learning in an effort to improve Mvskoke language learning outcomes.
"I outlined a new approach to Mvskoke language pedagogy that makes use of current research in language acquisition and focuses on providing learners early and regular exposure to the words that appear most frequently in Creek discourse. It also includes research in language acquisition that emphasizes the importance of the quality and quantity of the input provided in the target language, which makes it more likely to be acquired. I also created verb and noun root frequency distributions in order to identify which common verbs and nouns should be taught early on."
Favorite NAS class:
"My favorite class was language acquisition, because it helped me understand how children acquire a language. It also helped me understand what acquisition is and what it entailed."
Favorite NAS memory:
"I don't have a specific memory, but the main theme that comes to mind is community. In our classes we would discuss amongst each other and help each other out when needed. We'd also come together and fellowship with our potlucks."
Favorite OU memory:
"I enjoyed getting to know people and learning new things."
Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen:
"You're here to continue your education, but don't forget your family and people. They will strengthen you."
