The Cherokee Nation, a vibrant and resilient tribal community, boasts of an incredibly rich history of traditions and values including the unique Cherokee language. The language, with its unique syllabary and distinct scripts, stands out as not only a medium of communication but also a crucial element of Cherokee cultural identity. However, in recent years, the community faces the uncomfortable truth of its younger generations’ disconnection from their native language, putting the Cherokee language at the risk of extinction.
Origin and Evolution of the Cherokee Language
Cherokee language, traditionally known as ᏣᎳᎩ ᎦᏬᏂᎯᏍᏗ (Tsalagi Gawonihisdi), is a member of the Iroquoian language family[^1^]. Its origins are still subject of intense study, as it diverges significantly from other Iroquoian languages. However, the existence of the Cherokee syllabary, a written system of the language, that was brought into life by a Cherokee silversmith named Sequoyah in 1821, has provided crucial aid to understanding the complexities of its grammar and vocabulary[^2^].
The Cherokee Syllabary and Alphabet
Sequoyah’s creation, popularly known as the Cherokee syllabary, revolutionized the written component of Cherokee language. Distinct from an alphabet, the Cherokee syllabary is a set of 85 characters, with each character representing a syllable in the language[^2^]. This distinctive system enabled the Cherokee people to maintain records, write letters and even publish newspapers, contributing to a strengthened cultural identity.
The Declining Fortunes of Cherokee
Post the infamous “Trail of Tears” in the 1830s, the subsequent Americanization process posed a severe threat to the Cherokee language. With English forced as the primary language in Cherokee schools and government legislations, the Cherokee language usage began to fade. The implementation of the Indian Removal Act left the Cherokee community scattered, which further disrupted the transmission of the language to younger generations[^3^].
Efforts towards Revitalization
Today, with less than 2000 native speakers left, the Cherokee language is classified as “definitely endangered” by UNESCO. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in efforts to keep the language alive, driven by the Cherokee Nation and other supportive organizations.
Cherokee Nation has initiated various language programs, including the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program, aiming to create new fluent speakers. The Cherokee Nation Immersion Charter School provides primary education with Cherokee as the first language, fostering an early grasp of the language.
Technology too is playing a pivotal role in the modern revitalization strategy. The Cherokee language has been digitalized, with Unicode support and its presence in Google search, YouTube, and even gadgets like iPhones. Digital classes to learn Cherokee are also becoming increasingly popular, extending the language’s reach beyond geographical boundaries.
Conclusion
The preservation of the Cherokee language goes beyond the desire to communicate in a particular tongue. It is a crucial aspect of preserving the deep cultural heritage, traditions, and values of the Cherokee Nation. With concerted efforts of the community and the aide of technology, the journey towards revitalization, although challenging, appears hopeful and promising.
[^1^]: Mithun, Marianne. The Languages of Native North America. Cambridge University Press, 1999.
[^2^]: “Sequoyah’s Syllabary.” Cherokee Org, https://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/culture/general/sean-bundy/
[^3^]: Foreman, Grant. Indian Removal. The University of Oklahoma Press, 1972.