The Cherokee language, native to the North American Southeast, is almost as old as the history of the people themselves. Rich in nuance and cultural significance, the language tells the story of a resilient and diverse community. However, with time and historical tribulations, been left on the brink of extinction.
The Early Origins
The Cherokee language belongs to the Iroquoian language family and was extensively used by the Cherokee Nation: a significant Native American group that inhabited regions now known as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee[^1^].
The language has two primary dialects: the Lower and the Middle dialect. The Lower dialect, also known as Kituwah, is considered the more archaic form. The various Cherokee tribes, each with their unique traditions and cultures, utilized these dialects.
Evolution of the Written Language
The Cherokee writing system wasn’t adopted until 1821. The credit for this goes to Sequoyah, also known as George Gist, who noted that the white settlers had the ability to communicate through symbols on paper and understood the immense potential of such a system for his people[^2^].
Following years of trial and error, Sequoyah eventually developed the Cherokee syllabary – a set of symbols representing syllables. The 85 characters represented all combinations of vowel and consonant sounds in the Cherokee language. This syllabary offered a more efficient form of communication and record-keeping among the Cherokee people. A testament to its effectiveness, it is said that literacy rates among the Cherokees quickly surpassed those of their European-American neighbors.
The Threat of Extinction and Efforts for Revival
Despite the thriving period following the institution of the Cherokee syllabary, the language faced severe threats of extinction after the infamous Trail of Tears. This period represents the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their homelands during the 1830s, following the Indian Removal Act of 1830 by President Andrew Jackson[^3^].
Post removal, there was systematic repression of their native language and culture. Assimilation into mainstream Western culture was the order of the day, with English replacing the Cherokee language in schools and institutions.
As a consequence, the number of fluent Cherokee speakers has dwindled dramatically over the years. As of 2019, only about 2,000 fluent speakers—mainly elderly—are left, most of whom live in Oklahoma and North Carolina.
However, the Cherokee people have made remarkable efforts to bring back their language from the brink of extinction. The result of these efforts can be seen in the numerous Cherokee language revival programs throughout North America.
Cherokee immersion schools, like the Kituwah Academy run by Eastern Band of Cherokee, aim to teach the Cherokee language and culture to younger generations. Several online resources and mobile apps have also been developed to facilitate self-learning among individuals who don’t have easy access to physical classes or teachers.
The Cultural Significance
The importance of the Cherokee language goes beyond daily communication. It is a crucial component of the Cherokee people’s cultural identity and heritage. The language holds the collective wisdom and traditional knowledge of the Cherokee people.
Many Cherokee stories, teachings, and ceremonies are rooted in the language. Some words and expressions in Cherokee are not easily translated into English, underlining the unique worldview it encompasses. The revival of the language is, therefore, a significant step toward preserving the rich Cherokee culture and heritage.
Conclusion
While the number of Cherokee speakers today is merely a fraction of what it once was, the efforts made by the Cherokee Nation to preserve and revive their language are truly inspiring, signaling the community’s resilience and dedication to their roots.
References
[^1^]: Mooney, James, History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees (Asheville, NC: Bright Mountain Books, 1992).
[^2^]: Perdue, Theda, Cherokee Editor: The Writings of Elias Boudinot (University of Georgia Press, 1996).
[^3^]: Ehle, John, Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation (Anchor,1997).