The Cherokee language, one of the many Native American languages, offers a strong and unique facet of cultural identity and historical resilience for the Cherokee Nation. This article reveals the intricacies, history, evolution, preservation, and revitalization attempts of the language, spanning hundreds of years.
Historical Genesis and Evolution
The Cherokee language, or as the natives call it, ‘Tsalagi Gawonihisdi’, is an Iroquoian language[M1]. It is one of the indigenous languages of the Southeastern United States. It was the primary means of daily communication before the forced removal and subsequent relocation through the infamous Trail of Tears in the 19th century.
The spoken language doesn’t resemble other Iroquoian languages but bears several similarities with the languages from Southeast and Midwest regions. This anomaly is attributed to the long period of isolation and cultural influences from contact with tribes like Creek and Choctaw.
Syllabication: Seesaw of Change
Cherokee language took a significant leap in its evolution when Sequoyah, an esteemed Cherokee polymath, single-handedly developed the Cherokee syllabary[M2] in 1821. His invention transformed the language from solely oral to written, making Cherokee one of the few known languages whose writing system was developed by a single individual.
The syllabary comprised 85 characters, each representing a unique syllable. This introduction significantly altered the accessibility and diffusion of knowledge, impacting the language’s future. The newly literate Cherokee people swiftly assimilated the syllabary into their culture, and it found widespread use in both administration and literature.
Survival and Revitalization
Despite numerous adversities and systematic efforts to suppress the Cherokee language, remarkable attempts have been made in recent years to uphold and revitalize it. Due to these initiatives, the language has found a new life through digital technology.
Today, efforts towards preserving and promoting Cherokee language include comprehensive language classes, revitalization programs, and the development of software and applications supporting Cherokee script, ensuring accessibility for future generations. The cultural immersion kit, a toolkit designed for families to revitalize the Cherokee language at home, exhibits the dedication towards preserving this historical jewel.
Impact on Cherokee Identity
Language is a potent reflector of culture and identity. For the Cherokee, their language connects them with their roots and helps preserve their distinct identity, given their history of forced displacement and the violent attempt to eradicate their culture.
Even in the face of extreme adversities, the Cherokee people’s continual effort to uphold their language is symbolic of their resilience and determination – it’s a lifeline fostering a sense of cultural continuity, consolidating their national identity and marking their space as indigenous inhabitants of America.
Future Premonitions
Despite the considerable achievements, the preservation of the Cherokee language faces grave challenges. The rapidly decreasing number of native speakers casts a questionable shadow over its future. The need of the hour is to encourage younger generations to learn, speak and propagate their mother tongue to ensure its survival.
The preservation of the Cherokee language depends on the continued effort and determination of its native speakers and supporters. As author Tim Bynum highlights, “Language is the roadmap of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they’re going.”
There is still a long journey ahead to sequester the future of the Cherokee language. Yet, the progress and dedication thus far act as a beacon of hope. The quest to preserve and flourish the Cherokee language serves as a testament to the ongoing struggle of Native American tribes to claim their cultural identity and heritage within the larger American narrative.
M1: Source: Cherokee Language
_M2: Source: Sequoyah’s Syllabary