Cherokee

The Cherokee language is an Iroquoian language spoken by the Cherokee people. It is the only Southern Iroquoian language still spoken and is considered critically endangered, with only about 15,000 fluent speakers remaining. The Cherokee language is currently undergoing a revitalization effort, with programs and materials being developed to help Cherokee speakers learn the language. The Cherokee language is a polysynthetic language, meaning that words can be very long and complex. Cherokee words are made up of smaller units called morphemes, which can be combined to create new words. For example, the word for "language" is ᏣᎳᎩᎯᏍᏗ, which is made up of the morphemes ᏣᎳᎩ (language), Ꭿ (to speak), and ᏍᏗ (something that is spoken). Cherokee also has a unique writing system, which was developed by Sequoyah in the early 19th century. The Cherokee syllabary is made up of 85 symbols, which represent the sounds of the Cherokee language. Each symbol represents a syllable, and words are written by stringing together the appropriate symbols. The Cherokee language is an important part of Cherokee culture and identity. For Cherokee people, the language is a link to their history and heritage. It is also a source of pride and a symbol of Cherokee sovereignty.