The race to save the Cherokee language

Indigenous languages are declining around the world at an alarming rate. Some studies estimate that one language dies out every two weeks. And the United States is no different. Of the 197 living indigenous languages spoken in this country, 193 are endangered. But one, in particular, has experienced a shocking downturn. Cherokee, once the most well-documented and commonly spoken Native American language in North America, is in serious danger of becoming extinct.Featuring:Brooks Bennett, documentary filmmaker and director of A Sacred ThreadGil “Doyi” Jackson, Cherokee language instructorDr. Courtney Lewis, associate professor at Duke UniversityTessa Dahlmann, teaching assistant at Duke UniversityJack “Tsegi” Cooper, Cherokee language instructor at Western Carolina UniversityLinks:Check out the PBS North Carolina documentary film A Sacred Thread here.Learn more about Duke University's Research for Indigenous Studies & Engagement in the United States (RISE-US) program here.You can find a transcript of the episode here.The Broadside is made possible by contributions from listeners like you. Support WUNC-North Carolina Public Radio and this podcast by making a donation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.