“Letters, words, sentences, book – they all have a history”
This adage holds particular significance when we explore the curious tale of the creation of the Cherokee alphabet or syllabary. Generally, when we think about the intriguing and rich history of the Cherokee Nation, our minds might wander to tales of their traditions, mythology, and their distinct culture that has been carried forward for centuries. One aspect of their heritage, however, that often goes unnoticed is their unique writing system, their syllabary which deserves recognition and appreciation for its ingenious design, historical context, and enduring influence.
The Birth of the Cherokee Syllabary
The development of the Cherokee syllabary transcends traditional lore, merging functionality with a profound love for one’s language and culture. The man behind this remarkable invention was Sequoyah, also known as George Gist. Sequoyah was born into the Cherokee Nation around 1770.
Whilst not able to read or write in English, Sequoyah was captivated by “talking leaves” – the white man’s ability to communicate complex thoughts and distant happenings through the written word. He saw the power and utility it held and wished for the Cherokees to possess a similar tool[^1^].
With this goal in mind, he labored for a dozen years to devise the Cherokee Syllabary, facing opposition, mockery, and suspicion from his community. By 1821, he had successfully created a series of symbols representing all the syllables in the Cherokee language[^1^]. His syllabary, with 86 characters combining consonants and vowels, revolutionized his society, paving the way for an impressive movement of Cherokee literacy. Astonishingly, within just a few years, the Cherokee Nation achieved almost 100% literacy, a feat rarely observed in recorded history[^2^].
Impact on Society
The creation of the Cherokee syllabary had far-reaching consequences, bringing about a cultural and societal transformation for the Cherokee Nation.
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Education: Before the invention of the syllabary, Cherokee teachings and histories were passed down orally through generations which made the preservation of the cultural heritage challenging[^1^]. However, with the syllabary in place, the Cherokee people could now record their histories, stories, and knowledge for future generations. It fostered an era of literacy that surpassed even that of their neighbouring European settlers[^2^].
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Press and Literature: The syllabary led to the Cherokee Phoenix’s publication, the first bilingual newspaper that included texts in the Cherokee syllabary. The paper played a crucial part in advocating for Cherokee rights and sovereignty in the 1800s[^2^].
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Legal and Political Systems: The writing system facilitated the drafting of legal documents in the Cherokee language, further reinforcing their autonomous standing. The clan successfully composed their constitution and legal proceedings, fostering a more organized political structure[^3^].
Survival and Legacy
Regrettably, the forced removal of the Cherokees from their lands during the infamous Trail of Tears in 1838 led to the segregation and dispersion of the community. During this time, the Cherokee syllabary played an essential role in preserving their language, culture, and identity[^3^].
The syllabary continues in use today, within communities and schools dedicated to teaching Cherokee. It serves to rekindle the younger generation’s interest in their heritage, helps revitalize the Cherokee language, and assists maintaining cultural continuity[^3^].
In 2014, two centuries post its invention, the UNESCO acknowledged the Cherokee syllabary as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage, as an important symbol of cultural preservation through language[^3^].
Conclusion
The story of the Cherokee syllabary is thus not merely the invention of a script but is a testament to the passion, perseverance, and visionary foresight of one man, Sequoyah. Recognizing its significant role in shaping Cherokee education, strengthening their communal identity, political structure and offering a medium to voice their concerns, the Cherokee syllabary rightfully deserves to be celebrated.
The syllabary stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and continuity for the Cherokee Nation and a compelling narrative of resilience for the rest of the world.
[^1^]: Sequoyah’s Syllabary
[^2^]: The Cherokee Syllabary: Writing the People’s Perseverance
[^3^]: The Cherokee Alphabet And How To Use It: Speaking and Writing the Cherokee Language