In this in-depth exploration, we will learn about the Cherokee language, specifically the intriguing Cherokee syllabary or Cherokee alphabet designed by Sequoyah, a man determined to give his tribe the power of the written word.
Origin of the Cherokee Syllabary
In the early 19th century, literacy was a luxury unattainable for many. However, one man born in the Cherokee nation decided that his people were deserving of this luxury. Sequoyah, born in circa 1770 and believed to be illiterate at the time, set out to invent an entire written language from scratch. Despite skepticism from his community and multiple setbacks, by 1821 Sequoyah had established a functional Cherokee Syllabary[^1^].
The Cherokee Syllabary is composed of 85 characters, each representing a different sound in the Cherokee language. Unlike other written languages that utilize alphabets of individual letters to create words, the structure of the Cherokee Alphabet, or syllabary, allows for entire syllables to be represented by one character. For example, the syllable ‘ga’ would have its own, single character.
Implementing the Cherokee Alphabet
It was noted that learning to read and write with the syllabary was straightforward, with people becoming literate within a few days or weeks[^1^]. This easy-to-learn aspect allowed the Cherokee tribe to grow a high literacy rate rapidly, surpassing some of the surrounding English-speaking communities at the time[^2^].
The syllabary was quickly adopted into Cherokee life. It was used for personal communication, governing documents, and even printed into a translation of the New Testament. It paved the way for the printing of the “Cherokee Phoenix”, in 1827, the first Native American newspaper[^1^].
The implementation of the syllabary brought about a significant advance in the Cherokee education system as well. The Cherokee culture had always prized storytelling but having a written language allowed histories and tales to be recorded and preserved. Local Cherokee schools were set up using the syllabary as the basis for teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic[^3^].
Effect on Cherokee Identity and Sovereignty
The creation of the syllabary was a major event in Cherokee history. The Cherokee tribe was no longer just a group of people; they had their own written language and could thus establish their identity in a way that had previously been impossible.
The Cherokee syllabary also contributed enormously to the legal and political power of the Cherokee Nation. Legal documents and treaties were now written and understood by the Cherokee Nation, allowing them to fully participate in negotiations and defend their rights and interests[^3^].
In essence, the Cherokee alphabet helped solidify Cherokee sovereignty by providing the tribe the ability to communicate in written form, something that only nation-states could typically do.
Preserving the Cherokee Syllabary
Today, efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote the Cherokee syllabary and language. Cherokee language classes often use the syllabary, and many online resources and programs exist to help teach it. Some Cherokee scholarships grant funds to students dedicated to studying the Cherokee language or culture[^3^].
Unfortunately, like many indigenous languages, the number of fluent Cherokee speakers has declined over the years. To combat this, the Cherokee Nation has implemented language preservation initiatives like creating Cherokee language learning apps and the Cherokee Nation Immersion School, where the Cherokee syllabary and language are emphasized in the curriculum[^2^].
Conclusion
The creation and implementation of the Cherokee syllabary are indicative of the ingenuity and resilience of the Cherokee people. The syllabary continues to play an instrumental role in classroom learning and maintaining a cultural identity among the Cherokee Nation. It acknowledges the importance of language in preserving a group’s cultural identity and heritage.
While the Cherokee language is not as widely spoken as it once was, the fact that it is still alive and taught today is a credit to the enduring legacy of Sequoyah’s invention and the Cherokee people’s dedication to preserving their unique culture and heritage for future generations.
[^1^]: Sequoyah’s Syllabary
[^2^]: Preserving Cherokee Language
[^3^]: Cherokee Education and the Syllabary