The Cherokee syllabary : writing the people's perseverance / Ellen Cushman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cushman, Ellen, 1967-

Contributor:

ebrary, Inc.

Series:

American Indian literature and critical studies series ; v. 56.

American Indian literature and critical studies series ; v. 56

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cherokee language--Writing.

Cherokee language.

Cherokee language--Alphabet.

Cherokee language--Grammar.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 238 pages) : illustrations, map.

Place of Publication:

Norman : University of Oklahoma Press, [2011]

System Details:

text file

Summary:

In 1821, a Cherokee metal worker named Sequoyah developed an 85-character writing system for the Cherokee language. This book charts the creation and distribution of the Cherokee syllabary. Going against typical interpretations, Cushman (writing, rhetoric, and American cultures, Michigan State University) argues that the syllabary was based on Cherokee syllables, not on Western alphabets. She explains the structure of the syllabary and the elements which made it easy for native speakers to use, and discusses the impact of the syllabary on Cherokee culture and its role in Cherokee adaptation to change. She also looks at modern issues such as computer keyboards using the syllabary and online language classes for learning the syllabary and the Cherokee spoken language. Written to be accessible to general readers as well as scholars, the book includes b&w photos, screenshots, and tables for understanding the syllabary. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Contents:

Introduction: Peoplehood, tools, and perseverance

Sequoyah and the politics of language

The syllabary as writing system

The syllabary's design

The syllabary from script to print

Elias Boudinot and the Cherokee phoenix

The breadth of the Cherokee writing system, 1840-1920

Perseverance and calculated inconspicuousness, 1920-1980

Peoplehood and perseverance : the Cherokee language, 1980-2010.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Electronic reproduction. Palo Alto, Calif. Available via World Wide Web.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780806185484

0806185481

Publisher Number:

99970532371

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.