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First we learn to talk. And then comes reading and writing. In Native America, tribes and tribal members are working hard to revitalize and speak our Native languages. But what about the written word? In the mid-19th century, a Cherokee named Sequoyah invented a syllabary for the Cherokee language, which is still used today in publications and signs across the three Cherokee tribes. Where does the written word fit into your language? Is learning to read or write critical to the future of our languages?
Guests:
Roy Boney Jr. (Cherokee Nation) – manager of the Cherokee Language Program
Dr. Brendan Fairbanks (Kickapoo and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) – assistant professor at the University of Minnesota
Lorene Legah (Diné) – faculty at Diné College
Break Music: Cissy (Fish/Smoke Dance) (song) Sheldon Sundown (artist) Hand Drum/Smoke N’ Round Dance (album)
I have always wanted to learn my Native language and was told all my life that language don’t exist.. Can someone help me get back my heritage. ? Please
Count me in! Learning Cherokee on my own and would like help. Also tracking my geneology. Am so interested in getting this down right. Wado
I would love to learn how to write in Cherokee.
Yes I believe all languages should be kept alive. I am Cherokee and check taw having two full blood grandparents and I would love to know how I can learn either or both languages. Please advise.
smh was your “check taw” grandma a princess too? Loll
I would love to have a typewriter like this.