Catherine Habegger

I am of Swiss origin. I work as a teacher teaching Swiss kids to learn English in the "mother tongue way" developped by linguist Helen Doron. I have studied linguistics for two years myself; although I don’t have an academic degree I have a great love and deep interest in languages, especially in old languages that are endangered. For example, we have an old endangered language in Switzerland (Romansh), which I learnt when I was 16. Also, I have learnt the old and difficult Georgian language. Since I was young I have been wanting to learn an Native American language. Through my friends Ralph and Marsha Redfox, I have come into contact with the Cheyenne/Sutaio language which has fascinated me with its subtle sounds and complex structurefrom the beginning. For almost 2 years, I have been struggling my way to learn (some of) it and – I still love it! I am deeply thankful to all the people who have made it possible even for someone like me to get learning material! Learning this awesome language is a very enriching gift for me and I would like to express my thankfulness by giving something back, by contributing something to keep it alive! By the way: I found out that Rev. Alfred Habegger was a remote relative of mine; his branch of the Swiss Habegger family, being Mennonites, emigrated from here to the USA in the 1800's.