Iñupiaq Language and Culture from edX

Paġlagivsi! This introductory course will guide learners through the basics of the Iñupiaq language spoken throughout Northern Alaska by the Iñupiat people.

This AlaskaX course begins with some fundamental aspects of the language in context with Iñupiat cultural context and place. You will learn Iñupiaq pronunciation, sentence structure, grammar, vocabulary and some contextual communications, such as introductions and how to ask questions. Each module also will introduce you to an aspect of Iñupiat culture. You will watch animated stories told in Iñupiaq and learn about cultural values that influence language use.

Iñupiaq is a member of the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan language family found across the circumpolar Arctic. The Iñupiaq language is comprised of two large dialect groups, Northern Iñupiaq and Seward Peninsula Inupiaq. This course focuses on the Northern Iñupiaq dialects.

Enroll in this course today and help celebrate, revitalize and sustain the Iñupiat language and culture!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize the language family that iñupiaq is a part of
Distinguish between the dialects of iñupiaq
Identify the characteristics of iñupiaq that make it a unique language
Introduce oneself in iñupiaq

Construct simple sentences using verbs and nouns
Give basic commands and ask questions
Understand the connections between iñupiat values and how iñupiaq is spoken
Create and share a short story using iñupiatun

Recognize the language family that iñupiaq is a part of
Distinguish between the dialects of iñupiaq
Identify the characteristics of iñupiaq that make it a unique language
Introduce oneself in iñupiaq
Construct simple sentences using verbs and nouns
Give basic commands and ask questions
Understand the connections between iñupiat values and how iñupiaq is spoken
Create and share a short story using iñupiatun

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Iñupiaq

Introduction to the language, including the basic structure, pronunciation and how to introduce yourself in Iñupiaq.

History and Dialects

The Sounds and Alphabet

Greetings and Useful Phrases

Introducing Yourself

Storytime

Week 2: Word Characteristics and Basic Grammar of Iñupiaq

Introduction to word characteristics such as verb stems and endings and an introduction to place.

Word Characteristics

Putting the Puzzle Together: Verbs

Adding More: Postbases

The Importance of Place

Week 3: Iñupiaq Vocabulary

Adding and expanding Iñupiaq vocabulary words and sentences within the context of everyday life.

People and Kinship

Going to School

In the Kitchen

Surroundings

Animals and Birds

Week 4: Conversations in Iñupiaq

Focus on speaking Iñupiaq in specific contexts.

Asking Questions

Making Requests/Commands

Introducing Others

Going Out for Coffee

Meeting New Friends

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Iñupiat language history and dialects, contextually grounding culture and place, which is standard in language learning

Taught by Qaġġun Chelsey Zibell instructors, who are recognized for their work in Iñupiaq language revitalization

Covers the basics of Iñupiaq language, including pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, building a strong foundation for beginners

Introduces aspects of Iñupiat culture throughout the course, giving learners a well-rounded understanding of the language and its context

Provides opportunities to create and share a short story using Iñupiatun, encouraging practical application of language skills

Career center

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

Language Arts Teacher

As a Language Arts Teacher, you will teach students language skills and literature. This could include grammar, writing, reading, and speaking. You can prepare to teach Iñupiaq language by enrolling in this course. This course will provide you with a foundation in the basics of the Iñupiaq language. It will also introduce you to Iñupiat culture, which will help you to understand the context in which the language is used. Ultimately, this will help you to be a more effective teacher of the Iñupiaq language.

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Linguist

As a Linguist, you will study languages, including their structure, history, and use. With the knowledge that you will gain from this course, you can expand your linguistic repertoire by learning about the Iñupiaq language. You will develop skills in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. You will also learn about the Iñupiat culture, which will help you to understand how the language is structured. This could make you a more competitive job applicant in the field of linguistics.

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Anthropologist

As an Anthropologist, you will study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. The Iñupiaq Language and Culture course will be highly relevant, as you will gain insights into the culture and practices of the Iñupiat people. You can develop your research skills by utilizing the knowledge that you will gain from the historical and cultural context of the Iñupiaq language and its dialects. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of place and its relation to the Iñupiaq language, giving you a deeper understanding of cultural practices.

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Sociologist

As a Sociologist, you will study society, including its institutions and relationships. This course provides an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the Iñupiat culture and its people. By studying the language, you will learn about the values and beliefs of the Iñupiat people. You will also learn about the social and cultural norms within the Iñupiat community. As an anthropologist you can use this course to gain a competitive edge through a deeper understanding of the people and their culture.

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Heritage Language Teacher

As a Heritage Language Teacher, you will teach students whose first language is not English. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to teach Iñupiaq as a heritage language. You will learn how to develop curriculum, create lesson plans, and assess student learning. You will also learn about the latest research on heritage language teaching. This knowledge and experience will make you a more effective Heritage Language Teacher.

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Museum curator

As a Museum Curator, you will be responsible for planning and managing museum exhibits. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to curate exhibits on Iñupiaq culture. You will learn about the history of Iñupiaq art and artifacts. You will also learn how to design and install exhibits. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Museum Curator.

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Cultural Resource Manager

As a Cultural Resource Manager, you will be responsible for managing cultural resources. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage Iñupiaq cultural resources. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn how to develop and implement cultural resource management plans. The knowledge that you will gain from this course will enable you to be an effective Cultural Resource Manager.

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Archivist

As an Archivist, you will be responsible for preserving and managing historical documents and artifacts. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage Iñupiaq archives. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn how to preserve and catalog Iñupiaq documents and artifacts. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Archivist.

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Translator

As a Translator, you will be responsible for translating written or spoken language from one language to another. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to translate Iñupiaq language and culture. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn how to translate Iñupiaq language accurately and effectively. The skills that you will gain from this course will enable you to be a successful Translator.

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Historian

As a Historian, you will be responsible for researching and writing about the past. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to research and write about Iñupiaq history. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn how to conduct historical research and write historical documents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Historian.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will be responsible for gathering and reporting news and information. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to report on Iñupiaq culture and issues. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn how to gather and report news and information accurately and effectively. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Journalist.

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Educator

An Educator may teach a variety of subjects to elementary, middle, or high school students. The knowledge that you will gain from this course will provide you with a foundation in Iñupiaq language and culture. This knowledge will help you to teach your students about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also be able to use your knowledge of the Iñupiaq language to help your students learn about the world around them. Ultimately, this course will help you to be a more effective Educator.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. This course can provide you with insights into the Iñupiat culture, which is important for understanding the needs of the community. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn about the social and cultural norms within the Iñupiat community. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Social Worker.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

As a Nonprofit Program Manager, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that serve a specific community or cause. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage programs that serve the Iñupiat community. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn about the social and cultural needs of the Iñupiat community. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Nonprofit Program Manager.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you will work with community members to identify and address issues that are important to them. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to organize the Iñupiat community. You will learn about the history and significance of Iñupiaq culture. You will also learn about the social and cultural needs of the Iñupiat community. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Community Organizer.

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Iñupiaq Language and Culture

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