Cherokee (ᏣᎳᎩ) is a Southern Iroquoian language spoken primarily in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Arkansas. Today, between 1,500 and 2,100 people speak the language, which has two main dialects: Eastern and Western. One of the most remarkable features of Cherokee is its writing system, the Cherokee syllabary, which was created by Sequoyah between 1809 and 1824. Within a generation of its creation, the syllabary helped make the Cherokee Nation one of the most literate societies in North America.
Created in partnership with Project GWY and guided by Cherokee language educators and community members, this course helps learners build a foundation in the Cherokee syllabary and vocabulary through interactive lessons and voice recognition technology. Designed to support language revitalization and reconnection, it offers a new way for students to engage with the Cherokee language and the rich cultural heritage it carries.