::"Where Are Your Keys?"

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{{ safesubst:#invoke:Unsubst||$N=Use dmy dates |date=__DATE__ |$B= }} "Where Are Your Keys?" (WAYK) is an interactive technique for learning languages directly from native speakers. It is a game-based approach that uses gesture and sign language to facilitate immediate communication in the target language.<ref name = "boingboing">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Because the focus is creating an interactive game between the native speaker and the learner, it may be preferable to select a native speaker without language-teaching experience.

The technique has been used in instruction of Alutiiq,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> Chinuk Wawa, Konkow,<ref name = "bauman">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Kutenai,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> Mohawk,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Navajo,<ref name = "aildi">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> O'odham,<ref name = "aildi"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Squamish,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Unaguax,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> French<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Latin,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Korean,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Turkish,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and at a Chickasaw language immersion camp for families.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The game trains speakers in language fluency.

According to creator Evan Gardner, "Where Are Your Keys?" is partially based on the "Total Physical Response" technique.<ref name = "boingboing"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref>

The game is based on repeated questions and answers, with a set of gestures. Initially, the student makes gestures for specific, concrete objects, such as keys or a rock, and then moves on to adjectives. The student always responds in full sentences. The language gestures used are based on American Sign language.<ref name = "everydaylanguage">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

"Where Are Your Keys?" language acquisition workshops have been held at the American Indian Language Development Institute of the University of Arizona,<ref name = "aildi"/> at Stanford University,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> at Northwest Indian College,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> at the 2010 "Save Your Language" Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> at the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and at the 2012 Maryland Foreign Language Association Fall Conference, held at Notre Dame of Maryland University.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Users report the "Where are your keys?" technique can be used with any language for which a willing fluent speaker is available.<ref name = "everydaylanguage"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

As of 2012, a "Where Are Your Keys?" podcast<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and wiki<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> are available, as well as online videos and an official website.<ref name = "bauman"/>

"Where Are Your Keys?" sections
Intro   See also    References    External links   

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