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

Provides the basics of the Yugtun language, building a foundation for deeper exploration

Emphasizes the connection between language and culture, giving learners a holistic understanding of Yup'ik culture

Designed for learners with little to no prior knowledge of Yugtun, making it accessible to beginners

Develops essential communication skills, such as asking and answering questions, constructing phrases, and understanding commands

Instructed by Sally Samson, an experienced Yugtun speaker and instructor

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 basic grammar concepts

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Refresh your understanding of basic grammar concepts to strengthen your foundation for learning Yugtun.

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Review grammar rules from a previous language course or textbook
Practice identifying parts of speech and sentence structures in simple sentences

Review grammar and vocabulary basics

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Revisit and solidify your understanding of the fundamental grammar and vocabulary of Central Yup’ik to prepare for the course.

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Review notes or study materials from previous courses or self-study
Practice writing simple sentences and phrases

Read a book about the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people

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Gain a broader understanding of the cultural and historical context of the Yugtun language by reading a book about the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people.

View Tengautuli Atkuk / the Flying Parka on Amazon

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Find a book about the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people at your local library or bookstore
Read the book and take notes on the history, culture, and traditions of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq people

Nine other activities

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Explore Yugtun language online tutorials

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Seek out and follow online tutorials to supplement your course learning and gain a deeper understanding of Yugtun.

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Search for reputable online resources that offer interactive tutorials on Yugtun grammar and vocabulary
Follow the tutorials regularly, taking notes and practicing exercises

Watch videos about Yugtun culture

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Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context of the Yugtun language by watching videos about Yugtun culture.

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Search for videos about Yugtun culture on YouTube or other video platforms
Watch the videos and make notes about the cultural practices, beliefs, and values of the Yugtun people

Join a Yugtun language exchange group

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Engage with other learners and native speakers to practice your Yugtun language skills and gain valuable feedback.

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Find online or local language exchange groups that focus on Yugtun
Attend group meetings or connect with other learners for language practice
Actively participate in conversations and ask for feedback on your pronunciation and grammar

Revise grammar structures in context

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Reinforce your understanding of Yugtun grammar by practicing different structures in context.

Browse courses on Yugtun Grammar

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Review grammar rules from the module
Identify examples of the grammar structure in authentic Yugtun texts
Practice using the grammar structure in sentences

Create a Yugtun phrasebook

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By creating a personalized phrasebook, you will reinforce your understanding of Yugtun vocabulary and sentence structure.

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Gather a list of common phrases and sentences in Yugtun
Translate the phrases and sentences into English, providing additional context or examples
Organize the phrases into categories or topics, such as greetings, introductions, or daily interactions
Review and practice using the phrasebook regularly

Create a Yugtun dictionary

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Develop your vocabulary and enhance your understanding of Yugtun by creating your own dictionary.

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Start with a small collection of Yugtun words and phrases
Translate the words and phrases into your native language
Add more words and phrases as you learn them
Organize the dictionary into different sections, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives

Volunteer as a Yugtun tutor

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By teaching others, you will deepen your own understanding of Yugtun and contribute positively to the preservation and revitalization of the language.

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Connect with organizations or community groups that offer Yugtun language classes or tutoring
Offer your time and skills as a volunteer tutor
Prepare lesson plans and engage with students, providing guidance and support in their Yugtun language learning

Join a language exchange

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Immerse yourself in the Yugtun language and culture by joining a language exchange.

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Find a language exchange partner who speaks both Yugtun and your native language
Meet regularly to practice speaking and listening to Yugtun
Learn about Yugtun culture and traditions from your language exchange partner

Write a short story in Yugtun

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Demonstrate your understanding of Yugtun grammar and vocabulary by writing a short story using the language.

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Brainstorm ideas for a story that you would like to write
Write an outline of your story, including the characters, setting, and plot
Write a draft of your story in Yugtun
Revise and edit your story to improve grammar, vocabulary, and flow

Career center

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

Alaska Native Language Teacher

Alaska Native language teachers teach the indigenous languages of Alaska to students in schools and other settings. They may also develop curriculum and materials for teaching these languages. A course in Yup'ik language and culture is essential for anyone who wants to become an Alaska Native language teacher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Alaska Native Language Teacher

Linguist

Linguists study the structure and evolution of languages. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research institutions, and government agencies. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a linguist who wants to study indigenous languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

Translator

Translators convert written or spoken text from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, businesses, and schools. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a translator who needs to work with texts written in that language.

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Educator

Educators plan, implement, and evaluate instructional programs for students. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and museums. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to an educator who wants to teach about indigenous cultures.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and courts. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to an interpreter who needs to work with Yup'ik-speaking clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Teacher

Teachers plan, implement, and evaluate instructional programs for students. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and museums. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a teacher who wants to teach about indigenous cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Tour Guide

Tour guides lead groups of people on tours of historical sites, museums, and other cultural attractions. They may also provide information about the history and culture of the area. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a tour guide who wants to work with groups of Yup'ik-speaking tourists.

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Preservationist

Preservationists work to protect and preserve cultural heritage. They may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, libraries, and archives. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a preservationist who needs to work with materials written in that language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Preservationist

Curator

Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions and educational programs in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions. They may also conduct research on the objects in their collections. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a curator who wants to work with exhibits related to indigenous cultures.

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Museum Educator

Museum educators develop and implement educational programs for visitors to museums and other cultural institutions. They may also conduct research on the objects in their collections. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a museum educator who wants to work with exhibits related to indigenous cultures.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists focus on the behavior, origin, and development of humans, and their cultures. Their research seeks to provide explanations for the similarities and differences in human societies. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to an anthropologist who wants to study an indigenous culture from an insider's perspective.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as journalism, fiction, and marketing. They may work in a variety of settings, such as newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a writer who wants to write about indigenous cultures.

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Archivist

Archivists acquire, preserve, and provide access to historical records. They may work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to an archivist who needs to work with documents written in that language.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and special libraries. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a librarian who needs to work with materials written in that language.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and government agencies. A course in Yup'ik language and culture may be useful to a historian who wants to study indigenous history.

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Yup'ik Language and Culture

What you'll learn

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