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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides learners a foundation in a language that is in danger of disappearing

Introduces learners to a unique alphabet, sounds, and linguistic features of a rarely taught language

Provides foundational knowledge in constructing simple sentences and phrases

Helps learners understand the connection between language and culture

Course contains interactive exercises to engage learners

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:

Read the book 'Yup'ik Eskimo Dictionary' by Steven A. Jacobson

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of Yugtun vocabulary and cultural context by delving into this comprehensive dictionary.

View Mind Control In The United States on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire a copy of the book 'Yup'ik Eskimo Dictionary'.
Read through the introduction and familiarize yourself with the structure of the dictionary.
Look up words and phrases to expand your vocabulary.
Note the cultural and historical context provided for each entry.

Show all one activities

Career center

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

Translator

Translators translate written text from one language to another. They work in a variety of settings, including publishing, business, and government. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Translators who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq texts.

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Interpreter

Interpreters translate spoken or written language from one language to another. They work in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, and business. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Interpreters who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq speakers.

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Language Teacher

Language Teachers teach foreign languages to students. They plan and deliver lessons, assess student progress, and create and use teaching materials. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Language Teachers who are teaching Yup’ik/Yupiaq language.

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Sociolinguist

Sociolinguists study the relationship between language and society. They examine how language is used in different social contexts and how it affects social interaction. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Sociolinguists who are studying Yup’ik/Yupiaq sociolinguistics.

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Linguist

Linguists study human language. They analyze the structure, meaning, and use of language. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Linguists who are studying Yup’ik/Yupiaq language.

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Cultural Resource Manager

Cultural Resource Managers protect and preserve cultural resources. They identify, evaluate, and protect cultural resources, such as historic buildings, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural properties. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Cultural Resource Managers who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq cultural resources.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and manage exhibitions and collections in museums and galleries. They research, acquire, preserve, and interpret objects of historical, cultural, or scientific significance. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Museum Curators who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq artifacts or exhibitions.

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Archivist

Archivists manage and preserve historical documents and records. They collect, organize, and store documents and records, and make them accessible to researchers and the public. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Archivists who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq documents and records.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They manage and organize libraries and collections, and provide reference and research services. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Librarians who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq materials or who are serving Yup’ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They conduct research on human cultures, societies, and languages. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Anthropologists who are studying Yup’ik/Yupiaq culture and language.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of human cultures. They conduct research on human cultures and societies, with a focus on their cultural practices, beliefs, and values. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be helpful for Cultural Anthropologists who are studying Yup’ik/Yupiaq culture.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers create and develop educational programs and materials. They analyze the needs of learners, design and develop educational programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be useful for Curriculum Developers who are developing educational programs on Yup’ik culture and language.

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Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers oversee the creation and implementation of employee training programs. They analyze the need for training and development, plan and implement training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be useful for Training and Development Managers who work with Yup’ik/Yupiaq employees or who are developing training programs on Yup’ik culture and language.

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Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide advice and guidance to educational institutions and organizations. They help educational institutions and organizations develop and implement educational programs and policies. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be useful for Education Consultants who are working with Yup’ik/Yupiaq educational institutions or organizations.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational and training materials. They analyze the needs of learners, design and develop instructional materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of these materials. The Yup’ik Language and Culture course from University of Alaska Fairbanks may be useful for Instructional Designers who are developing educational materials on Yup’ik culture and language.

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