At the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, the Chamorro language finds a dedicated advocate in Brant Songsong, the program’s only lecturer. Brant’s journey into language education is far from conventional, rooted in a personal connection to his heritage and a deep-seated passion for cultural preservation. Initially a computer science student at UH Mānoa, Brant rediscovered the Chamorro language program out of homesickness from Rota, a Mariana Island north of Guam. “I didn’t know there was a Chamorro language program, so I decided to enroll. I missed home and wanted to be around other Chamorros,” he shared. This connection led him to assist Dr. Faye Untalan, a public health faculty member who taught the course and pushed to make it official at the univeristy. When Dr. Untalan retired, Brant stepped up to continue the work, transforming what was once an informal offering into a recognized class under Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures (IPLL).
Teaching a small community language comes with distinct challenges. One major hurdle is the lack of standardized orthography and teaching resources. Unlike widely spoken languages, Chamorro does not have an abundance of textbooks or digital materials, requiring Brant to develop his own curriculum. “There aren’t that many resources because we are a small community. I had to do a lot of my own digging—figuring out why we say things the way we do so I could put it into words students can understand,” he explained. He also faces the challenge of teaching a language with multiple dialects. “Even how I say things and write things might be an issue for some because their dialect says it differently. But at the end of the day, it’s the same word, and the meaning doesn’t change.”
Brant recognizes that students enroll in Chamorro courses for a variety of reasons—some are reconnecting with their heritage, while others are linguistics enthusiasts. To cater to this diversity, he integrates digital tools like Zoom for distance learners and interactive projects such as video-making for Mother Tongue Day. “Students create videos either introducing themselves in Chamorro or explaining a language concept from class. It’s a way for them to check their understanding while being creative,” he said. Through these efforts, he fosters a learning environment where students can see the practical and cultural significance of the language in their lives.
Beyond the classroom, Brant encourages students to immerse themselves in the Chamorro community. O’ahu is home to a small but active Chamorro population, and events like the Mes Chamoru and the Celebrate Micronesia Festival offer valuable opportunities for cultural engagement. “There’s a Chamorro community here, but it’s mostly transients like the military who are here temporarily. The rest of the community is made up of long-time Chamorro residents who have decided to live and work here; including retired military. Still, students can attend events like Celebrate Micronesia at the Bishop Museum, where there’s always Chamorro representation,” Brant noted. He believes that language learning extends beyond textbooks and lectures; it thrives in real-life experiences and community interactions.
For students wanting to deepen their connection to their Chamorro roots, Brant offers simple yet impactful advice: start asking questions. He encourages learners to engage with family members, explore online resources such as Guampedia, and take advantage of the cultural events available to them. “Just start somewhere—ask questions, research, and connect with your heritage. There are even online resources like Chamorro Reddit where people can ask about the language,” he suggested.
Despite the challenges, Brant remains optimistic about the future of the Chamorro language program at UH Mānoa. He envisions continued growth, greater institutional support, and an expanding community of learners committed to preserving the language. “Right now, I’m the only one teaching Chamorro on O’ahu, and the program depends on me. My hope is that someone else will take over one day and that we can build a stronger support system,” he said. His teaching philosophy is rooted in Chamorro values—respect, cooperation, and harmony—which he hopes will inspire students both in their studies and in life.
Brant’s journey from student to educator underscores the power of passion and perseverance. Through his dedication, the Chamorro language continues to have a home at UH Mānoa, offering students a space to learn, connect, and preserve a vital part of their cultural heritage. As he continues to teach, mentor, and advocate, Brant’s work ensures that Chamorro will not only survive but thrive for generations to come. “I think the most rewarding moments are when I see a student’s lightbulb go off—when they finally get it. That’s what keeps me going.”
For more information on the Chamorro program, please visit: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/ipll/academic-programs/chamorro/