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Qaġġun Chelsey Zibell

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

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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!

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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

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Iñupiaq
Introduction to the language, including the basic structure, pronunciation and how to introduce yourself in Iñupiaq.
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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

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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 Iñupiaq Language and Culture with these activities:
Review basic pronunciation of Iñupiaq
Keeps Iñupiaq pronunciation fresh in the mind before the start of the course
Show steps
  • Use a set of flashcards with Iñupiaq words and their phonetic pronunciations.
  • Listen to an online pronunciation guide and repeat the sounds.
Connect with Iñupiat people and organizations
Creates opportunities for language practice and cultural exchange
Show steps
  • Attend events or gatherings where Iñupiat people are present.
  • Introduce yourself and express your interest in learning about Iñupiaq.
Explore online tutorials on Iñupiaq language and culture
Provides additional support and resources for learning Iñupiaq
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on Iñupiaq language and culture.
  • Follow along with the tutorials to learn new vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on Iñupiaq language and culture
Provides an immersive and interactive learning experience
Show steps
  • Find an Iñupiaq language and culture workshop in your area or online.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
  • Connect with other learners and speakers of Iñupiaq.
Compose sentences using basic vocabulary
Solidifies basic Iñupiaq vocabulary and grammar by creating original sentences
Show steps
  • Practice using verb-noun and noun-noun constructions.
  • Practice using basic prepositions and adverbs.
  • Practice using interrogative pronouns.
Present a brief overview of Iñupiaq history and culture
Deepens understanding of Iñupiaq cultural context
Show steps
  • Research Iñupiaq history and culture.
  • Create a presentation or speech outlining the key points.
  • Present it to an audience.
Design a basic Iñupiaq language learning website
Enhances understanding and retention by creating a resource to share with others
Show steps
  • Determine the purpose and target audience of the website.
  • Gather and organize Iñupiaq language materials.
  • Create interactive activities and exercises.
Create an audio recording of an Iñupiaq story
Develops fluency and pronunciation while exploring Iñupiaq storytelling
Show steps
  • Choose an Iñupiaq story or create your own.
  • Translate the story into Iñupiaq.
  • Record yourself telling the story.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Iñupiaq Language and Culture.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive list of Iñupiaq words and their English translations. It useful reference for learners at all levels.
Provides a comprehensive history of the Arctic. It discusses the role of the Iñupiat people in the region.
Provides a scholarly introduction to the Inuit language family. Students with an interest in language typology and linguistics may find this to be a very useful reference.
This report provides an assessment of the impacts of climate change on the Arctic. It discusses the threats to the Iñupiat people and their way of life.
This classic work provides an overview of the Eskimo languages, including Iñupiaq. It explores the historical development of the language family and discusses aspects of its grammar and vocabulary.

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