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

Explores Central Yup’ik, a dialect spoken in the lower Kuskokwim delta region of Alaska

Guides learners on the basics of the Central Yup’ik dialect and its connection to Yup’ik/Yupiaq culture

Well-suited for anyone curious about indigenous languages, Yup’ik/Yupiaq culture, or Alaska Native studies

Emphasizes the importance of preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages and cultural traditions

Interactive exercises enhance the learning experience by providing hands-on practice

Provides a solid foundation for further exploration of the Central Yup’ik language and Yup’ik/Yupiaq culture

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 the Yup'ik language alphabet and sounds

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Reviewing the alphabet and sounds of the Yup'ik language will provide a strong foundation for learning Yugtun.

Browse courses on Yup'ik Language

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Familiarize yourself with the Yugtun alphabet.
Practice pronouncing the sounds of the Yugtun language.

Read a book on the history and culture of the Yup'ik people

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Understanding the cultural context of the Yup'ik people will enhance your appreciation for the language and its nuances.

View Ellavut / Our Yup'ik World and Weather:... on Amazon

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Acquire the book 'The People of the Ice: The Bering Sea Yup'ik Eskimos'.
Set aside dedicated time for reading and taking notes.
Reflect on the cultural insights and their connection to the Yugtun language.

Follow online tutorials on basic Yugtun grammar

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Engaging with online tutorials will provide a structured and interactive approach to learning the basics of Yugtun grammar.

Browse courses on Yugtun Grammar

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Identify reputable online tutorials that cover Yugtun grammar.
Set aside dedicated time to work through the tutorials.
Take notes and practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.

Three other activities

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Complete practice exercises to enhance vocabulary and sentence construction

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Regular practice through exercises will significantly improve your vocabulary and sentence construction skills in Yugtun.

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Find online or offline resources that offer Yugtun practice exercises.
Dedicate time to completing the exercises regularly.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Create a visual representation of Yugtun vocabulary

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Engaging in creative expression through visual representation will strengthen your recall and understanding of Yugtun vocabulary.

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Choose a theme or topic related to Yugtun vocabulary.
Sketch or illustrate images that represent the vocabulary words.
Write down the Yugtun words and their meanings alongside the images.

Review the key concepts and vocabulary learned in the course

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Regularly revisiting the material will enhance retention and solidify your understanding of Yugtun.

Browse courses on Yup'ik Culture

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Go through your notes and course materials.
Practice speaking and writing simple Yugtun sentences and phrases.
Immerse yourself in Yugtun media such as videos or podcasts.

Career center

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

Educator

Educators develop, implement, and evaluate instructional programs and materials. They also teach and motivate students. This course may be useful for Educators who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq students or who teach about indigenous cultures. The course can provide Educators with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to create culturally relevant lesson plans.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They use a variety of sources to learn about the past, including documents, artifacts, and oral histories. This course may be useful for Historians who specialize in the study of indigenous history or who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Historians with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to conduct research in Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Linguist

Linguists study the structure and function of language. They also develop theories about how language works and how it is used. This course may be useful for Linguists who specialize in the study of indigenous languages or who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Linguists with a foundation inYup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to conduct linguistic research in Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and solve problems. They also help communities develop and implement plans for change. This course may be useful for Community Organizers who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Community Organizers with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to build relationships and create change in Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They also study the cultures, languages, and societies of different groups of people. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who specialize in the study of indigenous cultures or who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Anthropologists with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to conduct research in Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They provide counseling, support, and resources to individuals, families, and groups. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Social Workers with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to provide culturally sensitive services.

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Tribal Administrator

Tribal Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of tribal governments. They also work with tribal leaders to develop and implement policies and programs. This course may be useful for Tribal Administrators who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq tribes or communities. The course can provide Tribal Administrators with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to manage tribal governments in a culturally sensitive manner.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They use a variety of methods to gather information and develop policy recommendations, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts who work on issues related to indigenous peoples or who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Policy Analysts with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to conduct research and make policy recommendations that are culturally sensitive.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of nonprofit organizations. They also manage staff and volunteers, and they develop and implement fundraising strategies. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq organizations or communities. The course can provide Nonprofit Managers with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to manage Yup'ik/Yupiaq organizations in a culturally sensitive manner.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and edit news stories. They also interview sources and conduct investigations. This course may be useful for Journalists who cover stories related to indigenous peoples or who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities. The course can provide Journalists with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to report on Yup'ik/Yupiaq issues in a culturally sensitive manner.

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Legislator

Legislators develop and pass laws that govern a state or country. They also represent their constituents and advocate for their interests. This course may be useful for Legislators who represent districts with large Yup'ik/Yupiaq populations or who work on issues related to indigenous peoples. The course can provide Legislators with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to represent their constituents and advocate for their interests.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations and government agencies. They also manage grants and track their progress. This course may be useful for Grant Writers who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq organizations or communities. The course can provide Grant Writers with a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture and help them develop the skills needed to write culturally sensitive grant proposals.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing environmental control over museum collections. This includes the preservation and display of artifacts. Museum Curators also conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of the institution. This course may be useful for Museum Curators by building a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq values and traditions. The course may also help Museum Curators understand how to properly store and display Yup'ik artifacts that hold cultural and historical significance.

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Audio-Visual Archivist

Audio-Visual Archivists acquire, preserve, and catalog moving images and sound recordings. They also provide reference services to researchers, scholars, and the general public. This course may be useful for Audio-Visual Archivists by building a foundation in Yup’ik/Yupiaq language and culture. This knowledge may help Audio-Visual Archivists catalog and preserve important Yup'ik/Yupiaq recordings.

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Records Manager

Records Managers oversee the creation, maintenance, and disposition of an organization's records. They also develop and implement records management policies and procedures. This course may be useful for Records Managers who work with Yup'ik/Yupiaq organizations or communities. The course can help Records Managers understand the importance of preserving Yup'ik/Yupiaq language and culture, and it can also provide them with the skills needed to manage Yup'ik/Yupiaq records in a culturally sensitive manner.

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