We are pleased to introduce Cherokee language mini lessons to The Western Carolinian! Western Carolina University sits on land that once belonged to the Cherokee people and was called Tali Tsisgwayahi, meaning Two Sparrows Town. In 2019, the Cherokee people declared a state of emergency for the language, as the number of Cherokee speakers dwindled. Efforts to reclaim and revitalize the language have become integrated into many parts of Cherokee society. Since fall 2024, Western Carolina University offers a Cherokee language minor to aid in the preservation of the language. 

ᏏᏲ 

Siyo (She-yo)

The written form of Cherokee language seen above was created by Sequoyah from 1809 to 1821. It is refered to as syllabrary, as each charachter represents a syllable in the language. The word seen above is siyo, which is how you say hello in Cherokee.  

The more Cherokee language is spoken, the better the chances of its survival. So tell your friends siyo!