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Sally Samson

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.

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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!

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 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

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction
An introduction to the course, Yup’ik culture, and Yugtun language
Week 2: Doing and Being
Giving and replying to commands and requests; asking and answering basic questions; emotions
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Week 3: Weather
Describing the weather, seasonal activities; understanding the importance of weather in Yup’ik culture
Week 4: Family and Self
Describing family members and relationships; introducing yourself in Yugtun; understanding Yup’ik family values.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Sally Samson, who is a recognized instructor in the field of Yugtun language and Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture
Introduces learners to the Central Yugtun dialect of the lower Kuskokwim delta, offering a focused approach to this specific dialect
Suitable for learners interested in revitalizing and sustaining Yugtun and Yup'ik culture
Provides hands-on exercises and interactive materials to enhance the learning process
Examines the intricate interplay between language and culture, offering a comprehensive understanding of Yup'ik/Yupiaq values and their influence on Yugtun
Builds a foundation for learners interested in further exploring the Yugtun language, Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture, and Alaska Native studies

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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 Yup'ik Language and Culture with these activities:
Organize Course Materials
Stay organized and improve your learning experience by compiling your notes, assignments, and other course materials.
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing your materials, such as folders or a notebook.
  • Review your materials regularly and make notes to reinforce your understanding.
Practice Pronunciation
Get a strong foundation for speaking Yugtun by practicing the correct pronunciation of words and phrases.
Show steps
  • Listen to examples of Yugtun speech.
  • Repeat the words and phrases, paying attention to the sounds and intonation.
  • Record yourself speaking Yugtun and compare it to native speakers.
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Yup'ik Language and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yup'ik Language Teacher
A Yup’ik Language Teacher leads an exploration into the fundamentals of the Central Yugtun language. This course helps build a foundation for understanding Yugtun's deep connection with Yup'ik customs and ways of life. The course is particularly helpful for aspiring teachers who want to pass on this knowledge.
Museum curator
Museum Curators who work with Indigenous communities may find this course helpful in understanding the nuances of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture. This course explores the intricate interplay between the Central Yugtun language and the deep-rooted connection to the land.
Cultural Heritage Manager
Cultural Heritage Managers who focus on the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures will benefit from this course. This course helps build a foundation for comprehending the cultural values and linguistic features of Yugtun, aiding in the protection and revitalization of Yup'ik/Yupiaq heritage.
Linguist
This course offers a deep dive into the linguistic structure of Central Yugtun, making it valuable for aspiring Linguists. It introduces unique linguistic features, vocabulary, and grammar, providing a foundation for further studies into the language's complexity and structure.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists who study Indigenous cultures may find this course helpful in gaining insights into the relationship between language and culture. This course explores how Yugtun is influenced by Yup'ik/Yupiaq values and traditions.
Educator
Educators who work with Indigenous communities can benefit from this course to enhance their understanding of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture. It helps build a foundation for appreciating the cultural values that underpin Yugtun, facilitating effective communication and learning.
Community Outreach Specialist
Community Outreach Specialists working with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities may find this course helpful in building strong relationships. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the cultural values and traditions, contributing to effective collaboration and community engagement.
Journalist
Journalists reporting on Indigenous issues may find this course valuable in providing context and understanding. This course offers insights into the cultural values embedded in Yugtun, enabling accurate and culturally sensitive reporting on Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.
Social Worker
Social Workers supporting Indigenous communities can benefit from this course to enhance their cultural awareness. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the role of Yugtun in the Yup'ik/Yupiaq culture.
Interpreter
Interpreters specializing in Indigenous languages may find this course helpful in developing their skills. This course provides a foundation for understanding the nuances and cultural context of Yugtun.
Tribal Administrator
Tribal Administrators working with Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities will benefit from this course to enhance their understanding of the cultural context. This course helps build a foundation for appreciating the role of Yugtun in the community's cultural identity and governance.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts specializing in Indigenous affairs can benefit from this course to gain insights into cultural considerations. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the impact of language preservation policies on Yup'ik/Yupiaq communities.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers working with Indigenous communities may find this course helpful in understanding the cultural landscape. This course provides a foundation for appreciating the role of Yugtun in community development and cultural revitalization efforts.
Cultural Consultant
Cultural Consultants specializing in Indigenous cultures will benefit from this course to enhance their knowledge. This course provides a foundation for understanding the cultural significance of Yugtun and its role in Yup'ik/Yupiaq traditions.
Historian
Historians specializing in Indigenous history may find this course helpful in providing context. This course offers insights into the role of Yugtun in preserving and transmitting Yup'ik/Yupiaq history and cultural heritage.

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 Yup'ik Language and Culture.
Extensively covers the grammar of Yugtun, providing a detailed analysis of the language's morphology, syntax, and semantics. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the linguistic structure of Yugtun.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive listing of Yup'ik words and their English translations, as well as detailed grammatical information. It valuable resource for learners of the language and for those interested in Yup'ik culture.
Presents a collection of oral histories from Yup'ik elders, offering insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the Yup'ik people. It provides valuable context for understanding the cultural values that underpin the Yugtun language.
Explores the relationship between the Yup'ik people and their environment, examining how the natural world shapes Yup'ik culture and language. It provides a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of Yugtun terms and expressions related to the environment.
This collection of Yup'ik songs provides a glimpse into the musical traditions of the Yup'ik people. It valuable resource for learners of the language and for those interested in Yup'ik culture.
This collection of Yup'ik legends provides a glimpse into the mythological traditions of the Yup'ik people. It valuable resource for learners of the language and for those interested in Yup'ik culture.

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