The Cherokee language, an integral part of the Cherokee culture and identity, is a hauntingly beautiful language that resonates with the soul and embodies the spirit of the Cherokee Nation. Armed with its own unique syllabary and alphabet, it stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of the indigenous communities of North America. But why is the Cherokee language so special? And what is being done to protect this linguistic gem for future generations?
The Origins of the Cherokee Language
The Cherokee Language, also known as Tsalagi Gawonihisdi, belongs to the Southern Iroquoian language family[^1^]. It is thought that the Cherokee people originally lived in the Great Lakes area, but somewhere around 1500 BCE, they migrated to the southeast, where they settled in present-day Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Interestingly, the Cherokee language was one of the few North American languages that had a syllabary rather than an alphabet. This means that each symbol represents a syllable instead of a single sound. This unique aspect of the language became even more refined with the invention of the Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah (or George Gist), a Cherokee silversmith, in the early 19th century[^2^].
The Invention of the Cherokee Syllabary
While many might believe that the Cherokee language was always written with a syllabary, this is not the case. In fact, before the creation of the Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah around 1821, the Cherokee language was solely an oral language.
Fascinated by the ‘talking leaves’ of the white settlers, Sequoyah embarked on a mission to devise a writing system for his language. After much experimentation and overcoming challenges, including suspicion and ridicule from his fellow tribespeople, he succeeded. The result was an 86-character syllabary where each symbol signifies a syllable, not just a single phonetic sound.[^3^]
This remarkable accomplishment boosted literacy rates among the Cherokee to nearly 90%, higher than that of the neighboring European settlers. Within a few years, the Cherokee Nation adopted the syllabary, leading to the development of a Cherokee language-based newspaper, the “Cherokee Phoenix,” further enriching the Cherokee linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Evolution of the Cherokee Language
Despite enduring the harsh and devastatingly tragic Trail of Tears, the forced relocation commencing in 1838 where approximately 4,000 Cherokee people lost their lives, the Cherokee language remained a stronghold among the people[^4^]. However, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the language suffered due to forced assimilation policies imposed by the U.S. government that prohibited the use of native languages at Indian schools.
Quickly, English overtook Cherokee as the primary language, resulting in fewer and fewer children learning the language at home. This led to a rapid decline in fluent Cherokee speakers. However, the Cherokee are undeterred, and efforts are being made to revitalize the language via various platforms.
The Preservation and Revival of the Cherokee Language
The threat to the Cherokee language has led to comprehensive efforts by the Cherokee Nation and various organizations to preserve and revitalize the language. This includes immersion schools, language classes for children and adults, online language resources, and even mobile apps[^5^].
The Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Language Program offers community language classes and has created a state-approved language curriculum for public schools. There are even Cherokee language immersion schools where all subjects are taught in Cherokee. Technology is being utilized as well, with the creation of a Cherokee language keyboard available for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to type in Cherokee on their smartphones.
Conclusion
The Cherokee language, with its unique syllabary and rich oral tradition, is a vibrant testament to the Cherokee Nation’s strength and resilience. The concerted efforts by individuals, communities, and organizations to preserve and revitalize the language promise a future where the Cherokee tongue continues to thrive, serving as a crucial link to the past and a beacon guiding the Cherokee people into the future.
As a vital part of the identity and cultural heritage of the Cherokee community, efforts to preserve the Cherokee language will undoubtedly continue, ensuring that this beautiful and unique language does not just survive, but its sweet, melodic syllables continue to echo in the hearts and minds of future generations.
[^1^]: Campbell, Lyle (1997). “American Indian languages: The historical linguistics of Native America”.
[^2^]: Biography.com Editors. (April 2, 2014). “Sequoyah Biography”. Biography.com.
[^3^]: “Sequoyah and the Cherokee Syllabary”. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
[^4^]: “Trail of Tears”. U.S. Department of Interior: National Park Services.
[^5^]: “Language”. Cherokee Nation.