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Sally Samson

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.

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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

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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

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the unique linguistic features of Central Yugtun, making it relevant to learners who are interested in language preservation and study
Incorporates interactive exercises and engaging lessons that enhance the learning experience for students
Adequately prepares students to communicate in basic Central Yugtun and understand its cultural significance
Suitable for beginners with little to no knowledge of Yugtun, providing a solid foundation for further language learning
Introduces students to the cultural values that shape how Yugtun is spoken, providing a unique perspective on cultural expression
Learning materials are delivered through a combination of videos, readings, and discussions, ensuring a diverse learning experience

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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:
Reviewing the Yup'ik People and Their Culture
Prepare for the course by studying the Yup'ik culture and their deep-rooted connection to the land.
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  • Familiarize yourself with the history, traditions, and beliefs of the Yup'ik people.
  • Learn about their way of life, including their subsistence practices, social organization, and political systems.
  • Read 'Yup'ik Eskimo: Cultural Values and Social Practices' by Ann Fienup-Riordan.
Refreshing Basic Linguistic Concepts
Strengthen your grasp of foundational linguistic principles to better understand the structure and patterns of Yugtun.
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  • Review basic grammar terminology, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and verb tenses.
  • Analyze sample Yugtun sentences to identify linguistic features and patterns.
Mastering Basic Yugtun Vocabulary and Pronunciation
Build a solid understanding of foundational Yugtun components to enhance comprehension and communication.
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  • Practice pronouncing Yugtun sounds and words accurately.
  • Memorize essential Yugtun vocabulary for everyday communication.
  • Complete interactive exercises to test your vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
Three other activities
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Creating a Yugtun Language Study Guide
Reinforce your understanding and improve retention by creating a comprehensive study guide tailored to your learning needs.
Browse courses on Language Learning
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  • Organize and summarize key Yugtun grammar rules, vocabulary, and cultural context.
  • Include practice exercises, such as fill-in-the-blanks, translations, and conversation prompts.
  • Proofread and refine your study guide to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Yugtun Language Exchange and Conversation Practice
Enhance your fluency and confidence by practicing speaking and listening with fellow Yugtun learners.
Show steps
  • Find a language exchange partner or join a conversation group.
  • Engage in regular conversations, focusing on applying your Yugtun skills.
  • Provide constructive feedback to your conversation partner.
Contributing to Indigenous Language Revitalization Projects
Make a meaningful contribution to the preservation and promotion of Yugtun by participating in open-source projects.
Show steps
  • Research and identify open-source projects dedicated to Yugtun language revitalization.
  • Contribute your skills, such as translation, transcription, or software development.
  • Collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project's impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Yup'ik Language and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Language Teacher
Language teachers teach students how to speak, read, and write a foreign language. They may work in schools, colleges, or community centers. This course introduces the Yup'ik language, which would be beneficial for someone interested in teaching Yup'ik.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural anthropologists study the cultural practices and beliefs of different groups of people. They may examine language, kinship, economics, politics, and religion. This course focuses on the culture and traditions of the Yup'ik people, providing valuable insights for cultural anthropologists.
Historian
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They may specialize in a particular time period, region, or topic. This course explores the history and culture of the Yup'ik people, providing valuable insights for historians.
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. They may work in a variety of settings, such as healthcare, education, and business. This course focuses on the Yup'ik language, which could be useful for an interpreter working with Yup'ik speakers.
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 a foundation in Yup'ik language and culture, which can be beneficial for anthropologists studying the Yup'ik people.
Preservationist
Preservationists work to protect and preserve the cultural and historical resources of a community. They may work in museums, historical societies, or other organizations. This course introduces the Yup'ik language and culture, which could be beneficial for a preservationist working with Yup'ik cultural resources.
Social Worker
Social workers help people navigate the social service system and access the resources they need. They may work with individuals, families, or groups. This course provides insights into Yup'ik culture, which may be helpful for a social worker working with Yup'ik clients.
Museum curator
Museum curators oversee the collections and exhibitions of museums. They may also conduct research and write about the museum's collection. This course introduces the Yup'ik language and culture, which could be beneficial for a curator working with Yup'ik artifacts or exhibits.
Community Outreach Specialist
Community outreach specialists develop and implement programs to address the needs of a community. They may work with local organizations, businesses, and residents to identify and solve problems. This course offers insights into Yup'ik culture, which may be helpful for an outreach specialist working in a Yup'ik community.
Cultural Heritage Manager
Cultural heritage managers oversee the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of cultural resources. They may work in museums, historical sites, or other cultural institutions. This course introduces the Yup'ik language and culture, which could be beneficial for someone managing Yup'ik cultural heritage.
Archivist
Archivists maintain, preserve, and catalog the documents or pieces within a specific collection. They may also assist researchers in accessing and using the materials. This course teaches the basics of the Yup'ik language, which could be useful for an archivist working with Yup'ik cultural materials.
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, such as news, entertainment, and education. They may work as journalists, authors, or copywriters. This course introduces the Yup'ik language and culture, which could be beneficial for a writer interested in writing about Yup'ik people or culture.
College Professor
College professors teach and conduct research in their field of expertise. They may also advise students and develop curriculum. This course could be beneficial for someone interested in teaching Yup'ik language and culture at the college level.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in libraries, schools, or other organizations. This course provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language, which could be useful for a librarian working with Yup'ik materials or serving a Yup'ik community.
Educator
Educators teach students in a variety of settings, from preschool to college. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course provides a foundation in Yup'ik language and culture, which may be useful for educators working with Yup'ik students.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Yup'ik Language and Culture.
This monograph has been acclaimed as the most ambitious and successful attempt yet undertaken to describe the grammar of Central Alaskan Yup'ik.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive listing of Yup'ik words and their English translations, making it an invaluable resource for students and researchers of the language.
Features interviews with Yup'ik elders, who share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on Yup'ik culture.
Explores the significance of masks in Yup'ik culture, including their role in storytelling, ceremonies, and social life.
Explores the history, use, and significance of Yup'ik masks.
This collection of Yup'ik oral tradition, including stories, legends, and songs, provides insights into the culture and history of the Yup'ik people.

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