Signs of Cherokee Culture

Sequoyah's Syllabary in Eastern Cherokee Life

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Literacy, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Native American Studies, Anthropology
Cover of the book Signs of Cherokee Culture by Margaret Bender, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Margaret Bender ISBN: 9780807860052
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: April 3, 2003
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Margaret Bender
ISBN: 9780807860052
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: April 3, 2003
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Based on extensive fieldwork in the community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in western North Carolina, this book uses a semiotic approach to investigate the historic and contemporary role of the Sequoyan syllabary--the written system for representing the sounds of the Cherokee language--in Eastern Cherokee life.

The Cherokee syllabary was invented in the 1820s by the respected Cherokee Sequoyah. The syllabary quickly replaced alternative writing systems for Cherokee and was reportedly in widespread use by the mid-nineteenth century. After that, literacy in Cherokee declined, except in specialized religious contexts. But as Bender shows, recent interest in cultural revitalization among the Cherokees has increased the use of the syllabary in education, publications, and even signage.

Bender also explores the role played by the syllabary within the ever more important context of tourism. (The Eastern Cherokee Band hosts millions of visitors each year in the Great Smoky Mountains.) English is the predominant language used in the Cherokee community, but Bender shows how the syllabary is used in special and subtle ways that help to shape a shared cultural and linguistic identity among the Cherokees. Signs of Cherokee Culture thus makes an important contribution to the ethnographic literature on culturally specific literacies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Based on extensive fieldwork in the community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in western North Carolina, this book uses a semiotic approach to investigate the historic and contemporary role of the Sequoyan syllabary--the written system for representing the sounds of the Cherokee language--in Eastern Cherokee life.

The Cherokee syllabary was invented in the 1820s by the respected Cherokee Sequoyah. The syllabary quickly replaced alternative writing systems for Cherokee and was reportedly in widespread use by the mid-nineteenth century. After that, literacy in Cherokee declined, except in specialized religious contexts. But as Bender shows, recent interest in cultural revitalization among the Cherokees has increased the use of the syllabary in education, publications, and even signage.

Bender also explores the role played by the syllabary within the ever more important context of tourism. (The Eastern Cherokee Band hosts millions of visitors each year in the Great Smoky Mountains.) English is the predominant language used in the Cherokee community, but Bender shows how the syllabary is used in special and subtle ways that help to shape a shared cultural and linguistic identity among the Cherokees. Signs of Cherokee Culture thus makes an important contribution to the ethnographic literature on culturally specific literacies.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Highland Heritage by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book A Hairdresser's Experience in High Life by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Removable Type by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Reluctant Confederates by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Country Soul by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Andean Cocaine by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Revolution in the Countryside by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book The Highland Scots of North Carolina, 1732-1776 by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book William James by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Allies and Adversaries by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Agriculture and the Confederacy by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Beyond the Crossroads by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book African Cherokees in Indian Territory by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book Beyond Slavery by Margaret Bender
Cover of the book France Restored by Margaret Bender
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy