Chamorro Language - Then and Now

After I have performed some amateur studies regarding the Chamorro language, I have noticed that a majority of the modern language is composed of Spanish loanwords.  Some glaring examples are the numbers we use (Uno, dos, tres, etc.).  Let me take you on a quick trip to the ancient Mariåna Islands. {As a quick note, the "å" is pronounced like "ah".

Long before the Spanish colonization of the Mariåna Islands, the Chamorro language thrived in the Mariånas.  The Chamorro language, which is claimed by scholars as an Austronesian language, was largely different from its Pacific Islands neighbors.  Much like Palau, however, the Chamorro language is considered unique among the Pacific Island languages in that it is not classified as a Micronesian or Polynesian language.  Rather, they both make up a unique branch of the Malayo-Polynesian language.  Once the Spaniards took over the islands, all of the Chamorro language's unique qualities changed.

Below is a list of the Ancient Chamorro basic numbers in comparison to the Modern Spanish-influenced numbers (do note that in the Chamorro language, the [ ' ] is considered its own character to denote a glottal stop):

1 - Håcha/Maisa  | Unu/Una
2 - Hugua  | Dos
3 - Tulu  | Tres
4 - Fåtfåt (or Fatfat) | Kuåttro'
5 - Lima  | Singko'
6 - Gunum  | Sais
7 - Fiti | Sietti
8 - Guålo' (or Gualu)  | Ocho'
9 - Sigua  | Nuebi
10 - Månot (or Manot)  | Dies
11 - Månot na gai Håcha  |Onse
20 - Hugua na fulu  | Bente
21 - Hugua na fulu na ga Håcha  | Bente unu/una
100 - Gåtos (or Gatus)  | Siento

I am sure the difference is quite noticeable.  Note that after #10, the numbers are quite long and difficult to say, getting even longer after 100 or 1000.  Would you think that this would be an ideal way of counting in today's fast-paced world?  To add, The Ancient Chamorro numbering system is more similar to the Japanese numbering system in that they have basic numbers, numbers for long objects, numbers for living things, and numbers for inanimate things.   In addition, the Modern Chamorro greetings are largely influenced by Spanish [do note that I am using the Chamorro spelling] (Adios, Buenas dihas, Buenas tåtdes, etc.).

The Ancient Chamorro also had a 13 month lunar calendar.

1 - Tumaiguini
2 - Maimu'
3 - Umatalaf
4 - Lumuhu
5 - Makmamao
6 - Fananaf/Mananaf
7 - Semu
8 - Tenhos
9 - Lumamlam
10 - Fangualu/Fa'gualu
11 - Sumongsong
12 - Umayanggan
13 - Umagahaf


Another point I wanted to note is that many Chamorro/Chamoru today opt out of learning their native language due to English's stronger influence.  I, myself, am not fluent in my native language (a point that I regret).  However, there has been a slight resurgence in today's youth on learning their Native Language.
I would like to learn the Ancient Chamorro language and, hopefully, bring the language back.  Granted, numbers and an outdated lunar calendar are not exactly good examples to get my message across, but it is a good starting point.  Language is a strong part of the Chamorro/Chamoru culture.
I implore Chamorro families/new parents to teach their children the language.  Otherwise, the Chamorro language will die out, and we will have one more piece of our history lost.