Knowing the Cherokee Language and Oral Traditions.

The Cherokee culture revolves around the language. It contains history, values, humor, spiritual beliefs, and world views that cannot be translated exhaustively into other languages. To Cherokee people, language is not a communication tool only.Imagine changing your life overnight win a million dollars Enter now!One chance can make you the next big winner. It is a moving experience of identity that links previous generations with the current and future generations. Cherokee knowledge has been taught orally through language and oral traditions like stories, songs, and teachings, which have been passed down the generations.

Prior to the introduction of written systems, the Cherokee knowledge was transferred orally. The elders used to give narratives which elaborated on how the world was formed, the way people are supposed to live, and how communities are supposed to treat each other. These were not ordinary entertainment stories. They were educational resources which delivered moral messages, cultural and historical memory. It was through such narratives that children got to know their identity and their origin.

The Cherokee language has a relationship and balance-based worldview. Most of the Cherokee words are action, process, relationship words and not object words. This is the perception of life that is dynamic and interdependent. Language influences the way of thinking of people and the Cherokee language reflects the strong sense of relations between human beings and nature and the spiritual world.

A written form of the Cherokee language was invented in the nineteenth century by a Cherokee scholar known as Sequoyah. This was the first writing system that enabled Cherokee people to read and write in their language. It facilitated literacy among Cherokee communities, which became popular. Books, newspapers and education materials were also done in Cherokee language reinforcing cultural conservation.

These accomplishments notwithstanding, the Cherokee language and oral traditions were in great danger. The use of the Native languages was discouraged or punished by the government policies and boarding schools. A great number of Cherokee children had to forego their language. This consequently reduced the number of the fluent speakers.

Over the past few decades, Cherokee communities have made much effort to revive their language. It is learned in language immersion schools, classes in the community and online. The teachers and the elderly are the important people in the transfer of knowledge to the young people. Such attempts are an indication of a desire to preserve the language.

The Cherokee still focus on oral traditions. Storytelling is one of the methods of saving the past and imparting knowledge. Ceremonies and community meetings make use of songs and chants. The traditions enhance cultural identity and generate the continuity across generations.

Preservation of language helps in preservation of culture. The Cherokee language was being killed out, but the communities remain committed to ensuring that it does not die.