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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the Yugtun language, which is spoken by the Yup’ik/Yupiaq people

Appropriate for beginners who want to develop foundational knowledge of the Central Yugtun dialect

Suitable for those interested in indigenous languages, particularly within the context of the Yup’ik/Yupiaq culture

Led by Sally Samson, an expert in Yugtun language and culture

Delves into the relationship between language and culture, providing insights into the Yup’ik/Yupiaq perspective

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Yup'ik Language and Culture with these activities:

Review Yugtun language structure

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Reviewing will help you recall and strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of Yugtun.

Browse courses on Yugtun Grammar

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Review your notes from previous Yugtun classes
Read a Yugtun grammar book
Complete online Yugtun exercises

Speak Yugtun with a tutor

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Speaking Yugtun with a tutor will help you refresh and build your speaking skills quickly.

Browse courses on Yugtun

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Find a Yugtun tutor
Schedule a regular speaking session
Practice speaking Yugtun

Watch video tutorials on Yugtun culture

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Watching video tutorials will help you grasp the meanings and contexts behind Yugtun words and phrases.

Browse courses on Yup'ik Culture

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Find video tutorials on Yugtun culture on YouTube or other video platforms
Watch the videos and take notes
Discuss what you have learned with a friend or fellow student

Two other activities

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Join a Yugtun language exchange group

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Joining a Yugtun language exchange group will allow you to practice speaking and listening to Yugtun with other learners.

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Find a Yugtun language exchange group online or in your local community
Attend the language exchange meetings regularly
Speak Yugtun with other learners

Create a Yugtun language learning blog or vlog

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Creating a Yugtun language learning blog or vlog will help you solidify your understanding of the language and share your knowledge with others.

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Choose a platform for your blog or vlog
Create regular content on Yugtun language and culture
Promote your blog or vlog and engage with your audience

Career center

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

Linguist

Linguists study the structure and development of language. This course provides a solid foundation in the Central Yugtun dialect, equipping Linguists with the skills to analyze and understand the linguistic features of this unique language. By examining how Yugtun is spoken and its connection to Yup'ik culture, Linguists gain valuable insights into the relationship between language and cultural identity.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. This course provides Interpreters with a solid foundation in the Central Yugtun dialect, enabling them to effectively interpret and translate for Yup'ik/Yupiaq speakers. By understanding the cultural context and linguistic nuances of Yugtun, Interpreters can ensure accurate and culturally sensitive communication.

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Ethnomusicologist

Ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures. This course provides Ethnomusicologists with a unique opportunity to explore the rich musical traditions of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people. By understanding the cultural significance of Yugtun in Yup'ik/Yupiaq music and storytelling, Ethnomusicologists can gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of language, culture, and artistic expression.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the cultural practices, beliefs, and behaviors of different societies. This course offers a deep dive into the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture, providing Cultural Anthropologists with a comprehensive understanding of the role of Yugtun in shaping the cultural identity and worldview of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people.

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Documentarian

Documentarians produce films and videos that explore various topics and issues. This course provides Documentarians with a valuable foundation in the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture and the significance of Yugtun in storytelling and cultural preservation. By understanding the role of language in shaping cultural identity and experiences, Documentarians can create more authentic and culturally sensitive films that accurately represent the Yup'ik/Yupiaq perspective.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat communication disorders. This course provides Speech-Language Pathologists with a deeper understanding of the phonology, grammar, and cultural context of Yugtun. By recognizing the unique linguistic features of Yugtun and its significance in the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture, Speech-Language Pathologists can provide more effective and culturally appropriate interventions for Yup'ik/Yupiaq clients.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the preservation, display, and interpretation of museum collections. This course offers a deep understanding of Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture and the significance of Yugtun, providing Museum Curators with the knowledge and sensitivity to effectively exhibit and interpret artifacts and artworks related to this rich cultural heritage.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. This course provides an overview of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people, their culture, and their language, making it a valuable resource for Anthropologists seeking to understand the intricacies of this unique group.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. This course provides Historians with a valuable foundation in the history and culture of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people. By understanding the significance of Yugtun in transmitting oral traditions and preserving cultural knowledge, Historians can gain a more nuanced understanding of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq experience.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. This course offers Sociologists a valuable lens to examine the social dynamics and cultural practices of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people. By understanding the role of Yugtun in shaping social interactions and cultural values, Sociologists can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social fabric of Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help individuals, families, and communities address social and emotional challenges. This course provides Social Workers with a deeper understanding of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture and the role of Yugtun in shaping its people's lives. By recognizing the cultural values and linguistic nuances embedded in Yugtun, Social Workers can provide more culturally sensitive and effective support to Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Educator

Educators facilitate learning and intellectual development in students. This course offers Educators a unique opportunity to gain insights into the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture and the role of Yugtun in education. By understanding how language and culture intersect, Educators can create more culturally responsive and effective learning environments for Yup'ik/Yupiaq students.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course provides Journalists with a unique perspective on the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture and the importance of Yugtun in storytelling and cultural expression. By understanding the cultural values and traditions embedded in the language, Journalists can more accurately and respectfully report on issues affecting Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and catalog historical documents, artifacts, and other materials. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Yugtun language and its cultural context, providing Archivists with the necessary knowledge to effectively document and preserve Yup'ik/Yupiaq history and traditions.

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Language Arts Teacher

Language Arts Teachers work with students to cultivate their reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical-thinking skills. Central Yugtun is at the heart of Yup'ik/Yupiaq stories and traditions; as such, Language Arts Teachers would benefit from a greater understanding of the structure, sounds, and usage of the language. This course may provide a foundation for those wishing to better connect with their students and support their understanding of the Yup’ik culture.

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Yup'ik Language and Culture

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