The Cherokee language, belonging to the Iroquoian language family, has a rich history and it plays a significant role in preserving the Cherokee heritage. Despite facing serious threats to its survival, there have been significant efforts undertaken to safeguard its legacy and to promote its use among the new generation of the Cherokee Nation.
History and Evolution
Cherokee language has been the mainstay of the Cherokee Nation’s communication infrastructure for centuries. Linguists believe that the language has its roots in the Iroquoian language family, which also includes Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, and Oneida languages[^1^]. In order to understand the depth and magnitude of this language, a journey back into its evolution and history is necessary.
The Cherokee was an oral language in the initial phase, handed down through generations via speech. This changed in the early 19th century, thanks to the efforts of a Cherokee silversmith called Sequoyah. He noticed that white settlers were able to communicate using symbols on paper – writing. This intrigued him, and without understanding English or the art of reading and writing, he started working on a written form of Cherokee. After years of hard work, he finally developed a unique syllabary, commonly known as the Cherokee syllabary.
This was a significant development in the history of the Cherokee language. Unlike alphabetic scripts, Sequoyah’s syllabary represented entire syllables. Within just a few years following the introduction of the new writing system, the Cherokee Nation achieved nearly 90% literacy, a feat that boosted the cultural and political development of Cherokee people.
Threats to Survival
The Cherokee language, like many indigenous languages, faced significant threats to its survival primarily due to the encroachment of European settlers. The appalling phase of the forced removal of Cherokee people from their ancestral land, known as the Trail of Tears, had a catastrophic effect on the language. The attempt to suppress Native American languages in schools and public platforms further diminished its use in daily life.
The aftermath of these events was a drastic decline in the number of Cherokee language speakers. By the 21st century, the apathy towards indigenous languages resulted in a situation where less than 2,000 fluent speakers of the Cherokee language reportedly remained within the Cherokee Nation.
Revitalization Efforts
Realizing the impending danger, the Cherokee Nation has been making commendable efforts to revive the language and encourage its use among younger generations.
The Cherokee Nation has been running language immersion schools, where education is conducted entirely in the Cherokee language. The focus is on creating new speakers, especially among the youth, which includes developing teachers who can teach in the language. In addition, language classes are offered by community centers, universities and online platforms.
Cherokee language courses are offered by universities, helping not just the Cherokee members, but anyone interested in becoming literate in the language. Will Rogers Library in the Cherokee Nation offers a range of literature, including books for children and young adults in the language.
Further, technology has also shown a new path for language revival. Smartphone apps and digital resources have been developed for learning Cherokee language. A Cherokee Nation Film Office is working towards including more Cherokee language in movies and television, as an initiative to create more awareness about the language[^2^].
Conclusion
The Cherokee language, as an important aspect of the Cherokee culture and heritage, face threats but also hopes. The efforts of the Cherokee Nation, linguistic scholars, and the support of digital technology are crucial to ensure the survival of this historic language. The challenge is huge but also the will to defeat it.
The survival of the Cherokee language is much more than just communication. It is about preserving thousands of years of wisdom, culture, identity, and heritage. It is about honoring the ancestors who passed the language down through generations. It speaks to the indomitable spirit of Cherokee Nation and their adherence to their roots.
“The voice of our ancestors told through our elders and learned by our youth” – that is what Cherokee language embodies, and the importance of its survival cannot be overstated.
[^1^]: Mithun, Marianne. “The Languages of Native North America”. Cambridge, UK ; New York, Cambridge University Press, 2001
[^2^]: “Cherokee Language Learning Materials,” Cherokee Nation Language Department. Accessed April 17, 2021.