Yup'ik Language and Culture from edX

Ilargakut! This introductory course guides students through the Yugtun language with a focus on cultural traditions and connection to the land. Learn communication skills, build knowledge of the language, and appreciate the cultural values that underpin this unique language.

Yugtun is an indigenous language spoken by the Yup’ik/Yupiaq people, primarily in the southwestern region of Alaska and in eastern Siberian Russia. It is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Alaska, but the number of fluent and native speakers has declined. This course, which focuses specifically on the Central Yup’ik dialect of the lower Kuskokwim delta, invites you to start learning the language that breathes life into Yup'ik/Yupiaq stories, traditions, and their deep-rooted connection to the land.

This AlaskaX course begins with an exploration of the fundamental aspects of the language, delving into its deep connections with Yup'ik customs and ways of life. Engaging lessons and interactive exercises will guide you through the linguistic structure of Central Yugtun. You will learn how to construct simple phrases and sentences, ask and answer questions, respond to commands, and make requests. Just as crucial as learning vocabulary and grammar, each module introduces you to different aspects of Yup’ik culture and explores the intricate interplay between language and culture. You will hear stories, told in Yugtun, and learn about the Yup’ik cultural values that affect/influence/impact how Yugtun is spoken.

Enroll in this course and become a part of celebrating, revitalizing, and sustaining Yugtun and Yup’ik culture!

What you'll learn

Recognize the alphabet, sounds, and unique linguistic features of Central Yugtun
Comprehend and reply to basic commands and questions
Construct simple phrases and sentences with nouns and verbs
To introduce one’s self in Yugtun
Understand how Yup’ik/Yupiaq values influence how Yugtun is spoken

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize the alphabet, sounds, and unique linguistic features of central yugtun
Comprehend and reply to basic commands and questions
Construct simple phrases and sentences with nouns and verbs

To introduce one’s self in yugtun
Understand how yup’ik/yupiaq values influence how yugtun is spoken

Recognize the alphabet, sounds, and unique linguistic features of central yugtun
Comprehend and reply to basic commands and questions
Construct simple phrases and sentences with nouns and verbs
To introduce one’s self in yugtun
Understand how yup’ik/yupiaq values influence how yugtun is spoken

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

An introduction to the course, Yup’ik culture, and Yugtun language

Week 2: Doing and Being

Giving and replying to commands and requests; asking and answering basic questions; emotions

Week 3: Weather

Describing the weather, seasonal activities; understanding the importance of weather in Yup’ik culture

Week 4: Family and Self

Describing family members and relationships; introducing yourself in Yugtun; understanding Yup’ik family values.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops vocabulary, grammar, and basic communication skills in Yugtun

Provides cultural context and highlights the connection between language and cultural values

Is beginner-friendly and builds a foundation for further Yugtun language learning

Taught by instructors with expertise in Yugtun language and Yup'ik culture

Career center

Learners who complete Yup'ik Language and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Interpreter

An Interpreter conveys information between individuals or groups who do not share a common language. They may work in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, and government. Strong communication skills are essential for this profession. This course helps build a foundation for those skills. It will help you learn how to make requests, ask questions, and describe people, places, and things. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as an Interpreter.

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Anthropologist

An Anthropologist studies the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and research institutions. Anthropologists must be able to clearly and effectively communicate their findings. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as an Anthropologist. It will help you learn how to describe cultural values and traditions, as well as the relationship between language and culture.

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Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and libraries. Historians must be able to communicate their findings in a clear and engaging way. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Historian. It will help you learn about the history and culture of the Yup'ik people, as well as the role of language in shaping that culture.

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Teacher

A Teacher develops, plans, and implements curriculum, lesson plans, and educational programs for student audiences within areas of expertise. They may work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges, and universities. Teachers must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Teacher. It will help you learn how to teach language and culture in a way that is engaging and accessible.

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Linguist

A Linguist studies the structure and function of language. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, and government agencies. Linguists must be able to analyze and interpret data, and communicate their findings in a clear and concise way. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Linguist. It will help you learn about the structure and function of the Yup'ik language, as well as the relationship between language and culture.

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Journalist

A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. They may work in a variety of settings, including newspapers, magazines, and television stations. Journalists must be able to communicate effectively with sources, colleagues, and the public. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Journalist. It will help you learn how to ask questions, gather information, and write clear and concise reports.

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Translator

A Translator converts written or spoken text from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Translators must be able to understand and interpret the source text, and produce an accurate and culturally appropriate translation. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Translator. It will help you learn how to translate text from Yugtun to English, and vice versa.

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Cultural Anthropologist

A Cultural Anthropologist studies the cultural practices and beliefs of different societies. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and research institutions. Cultural Anthropologists must be able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Cultural Anthropologist. It will help you learn about the culture and values of the Yup'ik people.

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Museum curator

A Museum Curator is responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as caring for and preserving museum collections. They may work in a variety of settings, including museums, galleries, and historical sites. Museum Curators must be able to communicate effectively with the public and with other professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Museum Curator. It will help you learn about the culture and history of the Yup'ik people, as well as how to care for and preserve museum collections.

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Archivist

An Archivist collects, preserves, and makes accessible historical documents and artifacts. They may work in a variety of settings, including libraries, museums, and government agencies. Archivists must be able to communicate effectively with researchers and the public. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as an Archivist. It will help you learn about the history and culture of the Yup'ik people, as well as how to care for and preserve historical documents and artifacts.

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Librarian

A Librarian helps people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. Librarians must be able to communicate effectively with patrons and colleagues. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Librarian. It will help you learn about the culture and history of the Yup'ik people, as well as how to find and access information.

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Adult Literacy Teacher

An Adult Literacy Teacher teaches adults the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. They may work in a variety of settings, including community colleges, adult education centers, and prisons. Adult Literacy Teachers must be able to communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as an Adult Literacy Teacher. It will help you learn how to teach language and culture in a way that is engaging and accessible.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people cope with personal and social problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and social service agencies. Social Workers must be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Social Worker. It will help you learn about the culture and values of the Yup'ik people, as well as how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist assesses and treats speech and language disorders. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private clinics. Speech-Language Pathologists must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. It will help you learn about the structure and function of language, as well as how to assess and treat speech and language disorders.

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Community Organizer

A Community Organizer works with community members to identify and address local issues. They may work in a variety of settings, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community groups. Community Organizers must be able to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. This course may be useful for those looking to develop skills foundational to a career as a Community Organizer. It will help you learn about the culture and values of the Yup'ik people, as well as how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

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Yup'ik Language and Culture

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