Learning Cherokee: A Guide to Language Resources
Cherokee (ᏣᎳᎩ Tsalagi Gawonihisdi) is a Southern Iroquoian language primarily spoken in the United States, specifically in North Carolina (gayaleni/ᎦᏯᎴᏂ), Oklahoma (ogalahoma/ ᎣᎦᎳᎰᎹ), and Arkansas (yonegv/ᏲᏁᎬ). With a community of approximately 1,500 to 2,100 speakers, the Cherokee language faces the ongoing challenges of language preservation and revitalization. This article provides an overview of resources available to those interested in learning the Cherokee language, catering to various learning styles and levels of proficiency.
The Cherokee Syllabary: A Unique Writing System
The Cherokee language utilizes a unique syllabary writing system, developed by Sequoyah (siquoya/ ᏏᏉᏯ) between 1809 and 1824. Initially, Sequoyah experimented with logograms, but he found them cumbersome. He then created a syllabary. The original syllabary was cursive and handwritten, which proved difficult and expensive to print. Consequently, Sequoyah devised a new version, adapting symbols based on letters from the Latin alphabet and Western numerals.
By 1820, thousands of Cherokees had learned the syllabary, and by 1830, an impressive 90% of the Cherokee population was literate in their own language. The syllabary facilitated the publication of books, religious texts, almanacs, and newspapers, and it was widely used for over a century.
Online Learning Platforms and Programs
7000 Languages and Project GWY
One notable resource is the online program developed by 7000 Languages in partnership with Project GWY. Project GWY is an online learning platform created with the help of volunteers from the Cherokee PINS Project Foundation, Dr. Brad Montgomery-Anderson, Cherokee National Treasure David Scott, and Cherokee Nation Council Member Dr. The program aims to provide an effective and engaging experience for Cherokee language learners, focusing on mastering the syllabary and building vocabulary. The first course in the series is designed for beginners, teaching the Cherokee syllabary and basic Cherokee phrases. This project represents a new avenue for accessing Cherokee language learning tools. The courses are guided by Cherokee National Treasure David Scott, Cherokee speaker, and 7000 Languages intern, Sean ᏙᏧᏩ Sikora.
Other Online Resources
Several other online platforms offer valuable resources for learning Cherokee:
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- Culturev.com: Provides lessons, grammar explanations, dialogues, and podcasts.
- Cherokee Lessons: Offers language lessons and exercises.
- Powersource.com: Features stories, articles, hymns, and six language lessons.
- Angelfire.com: Includes language lessons.
- Tsasuyed.blogspot.com: Offers links to assist with learning and speaking the Cherokee language, specifically the dialect spoken in Big Cove on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina.
- Thepeoplespaths.net: Provides Cherokee language lessons with an emphasis on the Eastern dialect, or the Giduwa dialect, including sound recordings.
Print Resources and Materials
Hunter Library’s Special Collections
Hunter Library’s Special Collections holds a unique selection of Cherokee-language materials, including children’s books, elementary and middle grade textbooks, hymnals, and biblical translations. Many of these resources are printed in-house or by the Kituwah Preservation and Education Program (KPEP) in Cherokee, NC.
"Journeying into Cherokee"
For those who are brand new to learning Cherokee and don’t know where to start, the book Journeying into Cherokee: Help and Encouragement for Learning the Cherokee Language by Ed Fields and Mary Rae is an excellent starting point.
Interactive and Experiential Learning
"Walking Around"
For an interactive experience with the Cherokee language, consider visiting “Walking Around” (Fall 2022), a large board with Cherokee words in syllabary/romanization created by the Cherokee Language program.
The Importance of Honoring Elders and Language Revitalization
As highlighted by members of the Cherokee community, honoring elders is a fundamental aspect of Cherokee culture, particularly within the Cherokee Immersion School. Organizations like 7000 Languages play a critical role in language revitalization efforts, helping to bridge the gap between generations and ensuring the continuity of the Cherokee language.
Dialectal Variations
It’s important to note that there are dialectal variations within the Cherokee language. Resources are available for both the Western/Overhill dialect (used by the Cherokee Nation) and the Eastern/Kituwah dialect (used by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). Learners should be mindful of these differences and choose resources that align with their specific learning goals.
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Cherokee Grammar and Linguistic Features
Cherokee-(in Cherokee: ᏣᎳᎩ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ Tsalagi Gawonihisdi) is the Iroquoian language spoken by the Cherokee people. It is the only Southern Iroquoian language that remains spoken. Cherokee is a polysynthetic language and uses a unique syllabary writing system.
Collaboration and Contributions
The development and availability of Cherokee language resources are often the result of collaborative efforts involving various organizations, institutions, and individuals, including the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Museum of the Cherokee People, Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina, first-language speakers, scholars, and advanced learners.
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