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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!

What you'll learn

  • 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

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Focuses on the Northern Iñupiaq dialects, which may be of particular interest to those with an existing affinity for the languages and cultures of the northern circumpolar region
Taught by Qaġġun Chelsey Zibell, an expert in Iñupiaq language and culture
Helps learners understand the connections between Iñupiat values and language use, deepening their appreciation for cultural perspectives
Builds a strong foundation for beginners
May be suitable for those already familiar with the basics of the Iñupiaq language but seeking to deepen their understanding and practice

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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 grammar
Review basic grammar concepts to refresh your memory and strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of Iñupiaq.
Browse courses on Iñupiaq Grammar
Show steps
  • Review the parts of speech.
  • Review the rules for sentence structure.
  • Review the use of tenses.
Review the Iñupiat alphabet and pronunciation
Familiarize yourself with the unique sounds and characters of the Iñupiaq language.
Browse courses on Iñupiaq Language
Show steps
  • Review the Iñupiat alphabet and its corresponding sounds.
  • Practice pronouncing Iñupiat words and phrases.
Identify an Iñupiaq language mentor
Gain personalized guidance and support from an experienced Iñupiaq speaker.
Show steps
  • Reach out to Iñupiaq community organizations or language schools.
  • Inquire about potential mentors who can provide language support.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Iñupiaq grammar exercises
Reinforce your understanding of Iñupiat grammar through targeted practice exercises.
Show steps
  • Complete grammar exercises focusing on verb conjugation and noun declension.
  • Practice translating sentences from English to Iñupiaq and vice versa.
Participate in Iñupiaq conversation practice
Enhance your speaking and listening skills by engaging in conversations with fellow learners.
Show steps
  • Attend regular conversation practice sessions with other students.
  • Prepare conversation topics related to the course material.
Write a short story in Iñupiaq
Demonstrate your grasp of Iñupiaq grammar and vocabulary by crafting a narrative in the language.
Browse courses on Iñupiaq Storytelling
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a short story that reflects Iñupiat culture and values.
  • Develop characters and a plot for your story.
  • Write a draft of your story in Iñupiaq.
  • Review and revise your story for accuracy and clarity.

Career center

Learners who complete Iñupiaq Language and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the biological, social, and cultural development of humans. The Iñupiaq Language and Culture course provides foundational knowledge in Iñupiat culture and language, making it beneficial to those pursuing an Anthropology career path.
Linguist
Linguists analyze language by studying its structure, use, and evolution to understand how others communicate. This course may be useful for those who are interested in the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan language family, particularly the Northern Iñupiaq dialects.
Historian
A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a Historian specializing in Iñupiat history and culture. The course provides a foundational understanding of Iñupiat language and culture, which is crucial for conducting historical research.
Language Teacher
As a Language Teacher, one must be able to teach a language to students, often at elementary to high school levels. This course may be useful in developing a strong foundation in Iñupiaq for potential Language Teachers who wish to instruct others in this language. Additionally, this course provides an opportunity to learn about Iñupiat culture, which can provide context for teaching the language to students.
Teacher
Teachers instruct students at elementary, secondary, or post-secondary levels. This course may be beneficial for those who wish to teach Iñupiaq language and culture. The course provides a solid foundation in Iñupiaq language and its cultural context.
Tribal Administrator
Tribal Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of a Native American tribe or organization. This course may be useful for those who wish to work as a Tribal Administrator for an Iñupiat tribe, as it provides a foundational understanding of Iñupiat culture and language.
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the care and display of museum collections. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a Museum Curator for Iñupiat cultural artifacts, enabling them to have a deeper understanding of the cultural context of the artifacts they curate.
Speech Therapist
A Speech Therapist aids patients in developing speech and swallowing skills. A foundational understanding of Iñupiaq, as taught in this course, may be helpful in providing specialized speech therapy services to Iñupiat patients.
Cultural Advisor
Cultural Advisors advise companies on cultural issues to help them avoid making offensive or insensitive mistakes. This course may be useful in developing an understanding of Iñupiat culture, which can aid in providing cultural advice regarding the Iñupiat community.
Archivist
An Archivist maintains, preserves, and catalogs the documents or pieces within a specific collection. This course may be useful for those who wish to work as an Archivist for Iñupiat cultural materials, as it provides a foundational knowledge of Iñupiat culture and language.
Nonprofit Program Manager
A Nonprofit Program Manager plans, organizes, and implements programs for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for those who wish to work with Iñupiat-focused nonprofit organizations, as it provides a foundational understanding of Iñupiat culture and language.
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and publish news articles and other content for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Journalists who wish to report on Iñupiat communities or issues. The course provides a foundational understanding of Iñupiat culture and language, which can aid in accurate and sensitive reporting.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course may be useful in providing a deeper understanding of Iñupiat culture and language, which can aid in providing legal services to Iñupiat clients.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people cope with their personal and social problems. The Iñupiaq Language and Culture course can be beneficial for Social Workers who will work with Iñupiat communities, as it provides a foundational understanding of the cultural context in which they live.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policies. This course may be useful for those who wish to work on policies related to Iñupiat communities or issues. The course provides a foundational understanding of Iñupiat culture and language, which can aid in developing effective and culturally sensitive policies.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Inupiaq words and their English translations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Inupiaq language.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, language, and culture of the Inupiat people. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Inupiat people and their culture.
Collection of Iñupiat stories, both traditional and contemporary. It provides a glimpse into the culture and worldview of the Iñupiat people.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, language, and culture of the Iñupiat people.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the culture and ethnography of the Eskimo peoples, including the Iñupiat. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Iñupiat culture and history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Iñupiat people, their culture, and their environment. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Iñupiat people.
Classic work on the Eskimo languages, including Iñupiaq. It provides a detailed overview of the language's history, grammar, and vocabulary.
Provides a broad historical overview of the Arctic region, including the history of the Iñupiat people.
Classic work on the Iñupiat people, providing a comprehensive overview of their culture, history, and environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Iñupiaq language and culture. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this unique and fascinating Arctic people.

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