Cherokee People Work To Save Language (fwd)

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Cherokee People Work To Save Language

Hundreds Of Adults, Children Studying Their Native Tongue
http://www.thehometownchannel.com/news/3316827/detail.html

POSTED: 9:51 PM CDT May 17, 2004
UPDATED: 10:14 PM CDT May 17, 2004

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Although the Cherokee language is one of the oldest
languages still spoken in North America, Cherokee Nation leaders have
worried in recent years that their native tongue is in danger of being
lost forever.

Cherokees Keep Language Alive [video insert]

But as 40/29's Melissa Kelly reported, Cherokee leaders aren't letting
their language become just another page in history.

A group of elders, teachers and tribal leaders began taking steps to
preserve the cornerstone of their culture when they began to suspect
that few members of the tribe spoke the Cherokee language. Tribal
leaders said that a recent study found that only 1 percent of the
Cherokee Nation is fluent in Cherokee.

Indeed, very few members of the Cherokee Nation speak their native
language -- and even fewer know how it looks on paper.

But Cherokee language teacher Harry Oosawhee said a new trend among the
Cherokee people may change that statistic.

"What we're trying to do is create an epidemic, so people will want to
learn and share," he said.

At Lost City Elementary School in eastern Oklahoma, every student in the
Cherokee language immersion class is learning to speak Cherokee –- and
English is not allowed while class is in session.

6-year-old Hawk said his mother and grandmother speak some Cherokee, but
his father does not. When he leaves school, Hawk said, he becomes the
teacher at home.

"It makes me feel more Cherokee," he said.

Tribal officials said more and more adults are learning the language.
According to Principal Chief Chad Smith, online Cherokee language
classes are booked solid.

"The bottom line is, if you know our language, you're happier (and)
healthier," he said. "It's something we need to do."

In addition to the renewed interest in language courses, native songs
now flood the airwaves of a local radio station that broadcasts in
Cherokee.

Many Cherokees say the importance of the language is hard to explain.

"It brought us together ... it binds our people," said elder John
Ketcher. "As long as there are Cherokee speakers, there will always be
Cherokee."