The history and culture of any indigenous population are beloved treasures that define their identity. Among them, language stands out as a unique, intrinsic element that shapes the society’s fabric. This piece explores one such case: the Cherokee Nation’s language and, more specifically, the Pacific invention of the Cherokee alphabet, which substantially impacted the Cherokee people’s social, economic, and political dynamics.
The Cherokee language is an Iroquoian dialect spoken by the Cherokee people, one of the native tribes occupying southeast North America before the European colonists’ arrival[^1^]. This language was extraordinary by itself, but it achieved a remarkable milestone in its historical evolution with the development of the Cherokee syllabary, often called the Cherokee alphabet. Created by Sequoyah, an unlettered Cherokee silversmith, this writing system profoundly influenced Cherokee education, literacy, sovereignty, and the preservation of Cherokee history and culture.
The Invention of the Cherokee Alphabet
Sequoyah, born circa 1770, was inspired by the ‘talking leaves’ (paper on which English was written) used by the white settlers. He was avidly interested in these cryptic symbols that seemingly conveyed complex messages and determined to develop a similar system for his people[^2^].
Toiling alone, often facing mockery from his tribe, Sequoyah remained perseverant. His first effort was to create a symbol for each word, but he realised the impracticality given the vast number of words. The ingenious answer was a symbol for each syllable, making a total of 86 symbols, each representing a unique sound in the Cherokee language[^3^].
By 1821, Sequoyah had accomplished his herculean task. The Cherokee syllabary was now ready to revolutionise its society.
The Impact of the Cherokee Alphabet
The Cherokee alphabet had a staggering, almost overnight impact. The Cherokee people, who were non-literate before Sequoyah’s syllabary, now possessed the highest literacy rate among the North American tribes and even surpassed their white neighbours in a few short years[^3^].
Cherokee Nation started using this writing system to establish printed laws, conduct official communication, and, most importantly, to publish a newspaper, the famed ‘Cherokee Phoenix.’ This newspaper played a pivotal role in preserving Cherokee traditions, folklore, and sovereignty. It served as a platform for political discourse, influencing treaties and government structures, and aiding in their fight against eviction and other injustices[^3^][^4^].
The Cherokee Alphabet: A Lineage to Heritage and Identity
Language, as an intrinsic part of culture, is a primary conduit through which ancestral wisdom passes from one generation to another. The Cherokee syllabary secured this cultural transmission by capturing the nuances of Cherokee mythology, legends, arts, and societal structures in written form.
Preserving their language through the syllabary also ensured the survival of Cherokee identity. Amid cultural encroachments in the era of colonisation, the Cherokee syllabary served as an invisible bastion, safeguarding the Cherokee Nation’s unique identity.
Moreover, it played a significant role in carrying on the spirit of Cherokee sovereignty. The constitution, laws, and political articles written in Cherokee elevated their political discourse, supporting their claims and fights over autonomy, territorial rights and judicial independence[^4^].
In Conclusion
The story of the Cherokee syllabary is more than a story of a linguistic achievement. It is the tale of a tribe’s resilience, their will to preserve their heritage and their determination to assert their identity. This unique alphabet, the first and only known case of a non-literate person modelling an entire writing system, has been more than just a communication tool for the Cherokee Nation. It stands as a living testament to their history, culture, strength, and above all, to the extraordinary power of a language in shaping a society’s destiny.
Sources
[^1^]: “Cherokee Language and the Cherokee Indian Tribe (Tsalagi, Tsa-La-Gee).” American Indian Tribes/Languages Link
[^2^]: Hoig, Stan. “Sequoyah and the Cherokee Syllabary.” Oklahoma Historical Society Link
[^3^]: Feeling, Durbin, Pulte, William, and Cowan, Gregory. “Cherokee-English Dictionary: Tsalagi-Yonega Didehlogwasdohdi.” University of Oklahoma Printing Services Link
[^4^]: Moulton, Gary E. “John Ross: Cherokee Chief.” University of Georgia Press Link