The Cherokee language, an integral part of the Cherokee Nation’s culture, is an emblem of cultural identity, survival, and continuity. Also known as ‘Tsalagi Gawonihisdi’, it is a Southern Iroquoian language spoken primarily in the United States, in northeast Oklahoma, and on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina. Historically, the Cherokee language was the means of communication for the Cherokee people, a cornerstone of their socio-cultural construct and a vital mechanism of imparting wisdom, traditions, and skills to subsequent generations. Cherokee language is now considered endangered, with concerted efforts being made to revitalize and preserve it for future generations[^1^].
The Historical Background of the Cherokee language
The Cherokee language is considered one of the culturally richest languages native to North America, contributing to the lush tapestry of American indigenous linguistics history. Historical linguistics research indicates that the Cherokee language is unique among other Iroquoian languages due to its distinct evolution and characteristics shaped by geographical location, cultural immersion, and adaptation to the environment[^2^].
The development of the Cherokee syllabary, an innovative writing system invented by Sequoyah (also known as George Gist or George Guess), a Cherokee silversmith, significantly contributed to the preservation and propagation of the Cherokee language. The syllabary was invented around 1809 and rapidly embraced by the Cherokee Nation. It enabled literacy spread among the Cherokee populace, which subsequently led to the formation of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American Newspaper printed in a Native American language.
The Cherokee Syllabary and Literacy
The Cherokee syllabary is one of the unique linguistic phenomena of the 19th-century world. Unlike an alphabet, a syllabary is a set of written symbols that represent syllables, which can be combined to form words. The Cherokee syllabary consists of 85 characters representing all the syllables used in the Cherokee language, including consonant and vowel clusters.
Sequoyah’s creation was revolutionary. By the 1820s, up to 90% of Cherokee people were literate in their language—an impressive feat considering the United States’ entire literacy rate during the same period was roughly 78%[^3^].
Consequently, the Cherokee language grew in stature and influence, nurturing the cultural and intellectual development of the Cherokee Nation.
The Struggles of the Cherokee Language: Then and Now
Despite its richness, the Cherokee language has faced extensive challenges over time. The violent removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral homeland to “Indian Territory” (present-day Oklahoma) in the 1830s, an episode known as the “Trail of Tears,” proved disruptive to the language’s continuity. The federal policy of forced assimilation, notably through boarding school education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, heavily impacted indigenous languages in the U.S, and the Cherokee language was no exception. These policies primarily aimed at Anglicizing the Native American population, causing a significant decline in the use of native languages, including Cherokee.
Today, the Cherokee language is predominantly spoken by older generations in rural settings, with a decline noticed in younger generations. The number of fluent speakers continues to dwindle, leading to a critical point for the language’s survival.
Revitalization Efforts
In recent years, the Cherokee people have undertaken marked efforts to preserve their language and ensure its transmission to future generations. Cherokee language immersion schools have been instrumental in revitalizing the language, where Cherokee is the medium of instruction. Initiatives like the Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program aim to create new fluent speakers.
Technology has been effectively utilized in language preservation (e.g., Cherokee language apps, online classes, dictionaries). Additionally, the Cherokee Nation’s diligent work with major tech companies has aided in promoting the language. Cherokee is now available on popular platforms like Google, Microsoft Office, and Apple products, setting an example for other indigenous languages.
Conclusion
The Cherokee language represents an intricate tapestry interwoven with the resilience, adaptability, and creative genius of the Cherokee people. Ensuring the survival and prosperity of this language is of paramount importance for preserving cultural heritage, diversity, and continuity. A language is more than just a means of communication; it becomes the vehicle for one’s world-view, values, and identity, a considerable part of which is reflected in Cherokee language revitalization efforts.
While the journey to revitalize the Cherokee language has just begun, budding success stories and relentless efforts give hope to the future of this rich heritage. Cherokee people’s commitment to reviving their language testifies to the living legacy and enduring strength of the Cherokee Nation.
[^1^]: Cherokee Nation (2017), “About The Cherokee Language”, Cherokee Nation official website, https://language.cherokee.org/about-the-cherokee-language/
[^2^]: Mithun, Marianne (2000). “The Languages of Native North America”. Cambridge Language Surveys. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
[^3^]: The Cherokee Phoenix, “Letters from Readers of the Cherokee Phoenix” Cherokee Nation official website, https://www.cherokee.org/cherokee-phoenix/archive/