Thursday, February 4, 2021 – The Cherokee Syllabary bicentennial

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When Cherokee leader Sequoyah introduced a written version of his language 200 years ago, his fellow Cherokees were skeptical. He eventually won them over and now the Cherokee Syllabary evolved to be included on typewriters, printing presses, and even mobile phone apps. This year the Cherokee Nation is celebrating the bicentennial of its written language. We’ll get the history of Sequoyah’s 12-year process to develop the series of symbols and letters that represent the spoken language. We’ll also talk about ways the syllabary is helping keep the language thriving.

Guests:

Chuck Hoskin Jr. (Cherokee Nation) – Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation

Jacob Chavez (Cherokee Nation) – a student of language in the Master Apprentice Program at the Cherokee Nation

Roy Boney Jr. (Cherokee Nation) – manager of the Cherokee language program

Break 1 music: Siyo, Siyo (song) Paula Nelson (artist) C.H.A.N.T. Cherokee Hope And New Traditions (album)

Break 2 music: Believe In Yourself (Old Beat) (song) Bryden Gwiss (artist) The Forgotten T.R.U.T.H. (The.Real.Un.Told.History) (album)