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

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Teaches Central Yup'ik dialect of the lower Kuskokwim delta, providing insights to Yup'ik/Yupiaq stories, traditions, and their deep-rooted connection to the land

Suitable for beginners seeking to learn the basics of the Yugtun language, including the alphabet, sounds, and unique linguistic features of Central Yugtun

Covers a range of topics, from constructing phrases and sentences to understanding cultural values that influence how Yugtun is spoken

Emphasizes the connection between language and culture, highlighting the interplay of Yugtun and Yup'ik customs and ways of life

Taught by instructors who are experts in the language and culture, providing learners with authentic insights into Yugtun

Career center

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

Linguist

A Linguist studies the structure and development of languages. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research institutions, and government agencies. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the study of linguistics. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to analyze and describe languages.

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Language Teacher

A Language Teacher teaches students a foreign language. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and universities. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the teaching of foreign languages. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to teach a foreign language.

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Cultural Anthropologist

A Cultural Anthropologist studies the cultural practices and beliefs of different societies. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and government agencies. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the study of cultural anthropology. The course will help students understand the different ways that cultures are organized and how they change over time.

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Anthropologist

An Anthropologist studies 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. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the study of language and culture, which is essential for Anthropologists. The course will help students understand the relationship between language and culture, and how language can be used to express cultural values and traditions.

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Preservationist

A Preservationist works to preserve and protect cultural heritage. They may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, libraries, and archives. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the field of preservation. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to preserve and protect cultural heritage.

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Archivist

An Archivist acquires, preserves, and provides access to historical documents or materials of enduring value. They may work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the preservation and documentation of cultural heritage. The course will help students understand the importance of preserving cultural materials, and how to make them accessible to the public.

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Records Manager

A Records Manager is responsible for the management of an organization's records. They may work in a variety of settings, such as businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the field of records management. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to manage and preserve records.

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Curator

A Curator is responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections. They may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, historical societies, and libraries. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the care and preservation of cultural artifacts. The course will help students understand the different types of museum collections and how to care for them.

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Museum Educator

A Museum Educator develops and implements educational programs for museum visitors. They may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, historical societies, and science centers. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the field of museum education. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to create and deliver educational programs for museum visitors.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people cope with personal and social problems. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and community centers. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the field of social work. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

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Sociologist

A Sociologist studies human society and social behavior. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research institutions, and government agencies. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the study of sociology. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret social data.

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Historian

A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and government agencies. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the study of history. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to research, analyze, and interpret historical documents and artifacts.

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College Professor

A College Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. They may specialize in a particular field of study, such as history, English, or science. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in teaching and research in the field of language and culture. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to teach and conduct research in this field.

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Interpreter

An Interpreter facilitates communication between people who speak different languages. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and government agencies. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the field of interpretation. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to interpret spoken and written language.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and universities. The Yup'ik Language and Culture course can provide a foundation in the field of teaching. The course will help students develop the skills necessary to teach students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

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Yup'ik Language and Culture

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