The Cherokee people hold a rich and complex history; one that spans many centuries and has experienced a plethora of milestones. One of the most important, unique, and at the same time, intriguing aspect of their existence is their language. The Cherokee language is a cornerstone of the tribe’s culture and legacy, and this blog post will explore its origins, its present state, and its future potential.
Origins & Evolution
The Cherokee language, or Tsalagi Gawonihisdi in Cherokee, is part of the Iroquoian language family[^1^]. Its uniqueness and sophistication lie in its syllabary, a set of written characters that represents whole syllables. This syllabary was developed by a Cherokee man named Sequoyah around 1820 to facilitate written communication among the Cherokee people[^1^]. This was a significant accomplishment given the fact that the Cherokee language was a spoken language with high levels of complexity.
Sequoyah’s syllabary, also known as the Cherokee Alphabet, consists of 85 characters, each representing a unique sound in the language[^1^]. This innovation in the written language played a crucial role in Cherokee’s swift and widespread literacy, considerably faster than many other Native American tribes at the time[^1^].
Moreover, it led to the publication of the Cherokee Phoenix in 1828, the first newspaper to be published by Native Americans in their language and English[^2^].
The Present State
Admittedly, the Cherokee language is endangered today, with approximately 2,000 fluent speakers left – a vast majority of them are older adults[^3^]. Much of this has been attributed to the history of forced assimilation, particularly after the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Cherokees were forcibly removed from their traditional lands in the Southeastern United States to what is now Oklahoma[^3^].
Nevertheless, the Cherokee community has been relentless in its efforts to revive their language and pass it along to younger generations. One initiative to achieve this is the establishment of language immersion schools like the Cherokee Immersion School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma[^3^]. Immersion schools use the Cherokee language as the primary medium of instruction, fostering fluency among young learners and ensuring its continuance into the next generations.
The Cherokee language has also been integrated into modern technology, with Microsoft and Apple incorporating it into their operating systems[^3^]. In addition, a handful of language learning apps and online language courses are now offering Cherokee language learning options.
Future Prospects
The future of the Cherokee language largely depends on the continued effort from the community and external supporters. As it stands, the picture is looking bright.
By incorporating language learning at early ages and weaving it into the fabric of modern technology, the tribe is revitalizing its linguistic heritage in ways that resonate with younger generations. This tune-in to the modern era has been critical in sparking interest and engagement in learning the language.
Moreover, the Cherokee Nation constantly pushes for increased funding for language preservation programs from federal and state governments[^4^]. Such support is necessary to maintain and expand initiatives such as immersion schools and adult language courses.
In a broader perspective, seeing children and adults alike taking pride in their linguistic heritage and actively being involved in its preservation is a hopeful sign. Even though the language is listed as endangered, these efforts breed optimism for its survival and growth.
Conclusion
The Cherokee language is an essential piece of the tribe’s cultural puzzle. It stands as a testament to their historical experiences, resilience, and enduring spirit. Its conservation and revitalization is a significant undertaking which the Cherokee community has embraced with determination and is one the world should support and admire.
Preserving languages is not just about keeping words alive; it is about preserving unique worldviews, keeping cultural richness intact, and maintaining the diversity that makes our world as vibrant as it is.
As Sequoyah recognized two centuries ago, language is a powerful tool. It can be a bridge between past, present, and future – a living tapestry weaving together generations. The Cherokee language carries this potential; it opens a window to the mesmerizing world of the Cherokee people, their history, wisdom, and their unique perspective on the world.
[^1^]: Cherokee Nation (n.d.). Sequoyah and the Cherokee Syllabary. Accessed at https://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/culture/general/sevenstar-mantle-by-dan-horsechief/
[^2^]: Perdue, T. (2003). Cherokee Women: Gender and Culture Change, 1700-1835. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press
[^3^]: Cherokee Phoenix (2021). Language Classes. Accessed at https://www.cherokeephoenix.org/language/classes
[^4^]: Fox News (2020). Cherokee Nation aims to revitalize tribe’s language amid ‘critical state’ of decline. Accessed at https://www.foxnews.com/us/cherokee-nation-revitalize-tribes-language