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

Designed for beginners, this course builds a strong foundation in the Central Yugtun dialect of the Yugtun language

Focuses on the deep connections between the Yugtun language and Yup'ik/Yupiaq customs and ways of life

Taught by Sally Samson, an experienced instructor in the Yugtun language

Introduces learners to the fundamental aspects of the Central Yugtun dialect, including its unique linguistic features and alphabet

Guides learners through constructing simple phrases and sentences, asking and answering questions, and making requests

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 vocabulary and phrases

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Reinforce your understanding of foundational Yugtun vocabulary and phrases to strengthen your foundation.

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Go through course materials to recall essential vocabulary
Use flashcards or online resources to practice memorization
Engage in self-testing by writing down or saying vocabulary and phrases

Review Yugtun grammar with online resources

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Solidify your understanding of Yugtun grammar by exploring online tutorials and exercises.

Browse courses on Yugtun Grammar

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Search for reputable online resources specializing in Yugtun grammar
Follow structured tutorials to grasp fundamental concepts
Attempt practice exercises to test your comprehension

Practice Yugtun pronunciation with voice recorder

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Gain confidence in speaking Yugtun accurately by regularly practicing pronunciation and intonation.

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Choose a passage from the course materials
Speak the passage aloud, paying attention to your pronunciation
Record yourself speaking using a voice recorder
Listen back to the recording and identify areas for improvement

One other activity

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Attend a Yugtun language exchange or conversation group

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Immerse yourself in Yugtun conversations with native speakers or fellow learners, enhancing your fluency and confidence.

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Identify local language exchange groups or online forums dedicated to Yugtun
Attend meetings or join online discussions regularly
Participate actively in conversations, asking questions and sharing your knowledge

Career center

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

Cultural Heritage Manager

Cultural Heritage Managers oversee the preservation, interpretation, and exhibition of cultural artifacts and sites. This role requires a deep understanding of cultural traditions and values, which this course can help build. The course's focus on the connection between language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Tribal Administrator

Tribal Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of Native American tribes. They work closely with tribal leaders and community members to develop and implement policies and programs. This role requires a strong understanding of Native American culture and traditions, which this course can help build. The course's focus on the Yup'ik language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections. They also develop and implement educational programs and exhibitions. This role requires a strong understanding of cultural history and traditions, which this course can help provide. The course's focus on the Yup'ik language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Historian

Historians study the past and its impact on the present. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including political history, social history, and economic history. This role requires a strong understanding of history and the ability to conduct research. This course can help build a foundation in history and provide insights into the history of the Yup'ik people. The course's focus on the connection between language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Language Teacher

Language Teachers teach foreign languages to students in schools, colleges, and universities. This role requires a strong understanding of the target language and culture. This course can help build a foundation in the Yup'ik language and culture, which will be valuable for future Language Teachers. The course's focus on communication skills and cultural values will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Cultural Resource Manager

Cultural Resource Managers oversee the protection and preservation of cultural resources. This role requires a strong understanding of cultural resource management and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. This course can help build a foundation in cultural resource management and provide insights into the Yup'ik culture. The course's focus on the importance of cultural preservation will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and behavior. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including social inequality, crime, and education. This role requires a strong understanding of sociology and the ability to conduct research. This course can help build a foundation in sociology and provide insights into the Yup'ik culture. The course's focus on the interplay between language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including language, religion, and social organization. This role requires a strong understanding of cultural anthropology and the ability to conduct research. This course can help build a foundation in cultural anthropology and provide insights into the Yup'ik culture. The course's focus on the deep connections between language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Linguist

Linguists study the structure and evolution of languages. They also develop methods for teaching and learning languages. This role requires a strong understanding of linguistics and the ability to analyze language data. This course can help build a foundation in linguistics and provide insights into the structure of the Yup'ik language. The course's focus on the unique linguistic features of Central Yugtun will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. This role requires a strong understanding of public policy and the ability to write clear and concise reports. This course can help build a foundation in public policy analysis and provide insights into the needs of the Yup'ik community. The course's focus on the importance of cultural preservation will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. This role requires a strong understanding of social work and the ability to work with a variety of clients. This course can help build a foundation in social work and provide insights into the needs of the Yup'ik community. The course's focus on the importance of cultural preservation will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address their needs. This role requires a strong understanding of community organizing and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. This course can help build a foundation in community organizing and provide insights into the needs of the Yup'ik community. The course's focus on the importance of cultural preservation will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. This role requires a strong understanding of nonprofit management and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. This course can help build a foundation in nonprofit management and provide insights into the needs of the Yup'ik community. The course's focus on the importance of cultural preservation will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study the human past through the excavation and analysis of material remains. This role requires a strong understanding of archaeology and the ability to conduct research. This course can help build a foundation in archaeology and provide insights into the history of the Yup'ik people. The course's focus on the connection between language and culture will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers prepare and submit grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. This role requires a strong understanding of grant writing and the ability to write persuasive proposals. This course can help build a foundation in grant writing and provide insights into the needs of the Yup'ik community. The course's focus on the importance of cultural preservation will be particularly valuable in this role.

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Yup'ik Language and Culture

What you'll learn

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