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

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

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

Tailored towards those interested in preserving and learning indigenous languages

Teaches the Central Yup’ik dialect, making it relevant to those in the Kuskokwim delta region of Alaska

Offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Yugtun, making it suitable for beginners

Helps learners connect language and culture, providing a deeper understanding of the Yup'ik/Yupiaq worldview

Led by instructors with expertise and passion for the Yugtun language

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 basic linguistics concepts

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Brush up on your foundational linguistic knowledge to better understand the Central Yup’ik language.

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Review the key concepts of linguistics, such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics
Read articles or watch videos on basic linguistic concepts

Follow guided tutorials on Yugtun pronunciation

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Build a solid foundation in Yugtun by mastering its unique pronunciation.

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Find online tutorials or apps that teach the pronunciation of Yugtun
Practice pronouncing the sounds and words of Yugtun

Complete practice drills on Yugtun grammar

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Sharpen your understanding of Yugtun grammar through repetitive exercises.

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Find online exercises or workbooks that focus on Yugtun grammar
Complete the exercises regularly, paying attention to the explanations and feedback

Five other activities

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Create a digital or physical Yugtun vocabulary notebook

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Enhance your vocabulary retention by creating a comprehensive Yugtun vocabulary resource.

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Gather Yugtun words and phrases from the course materials and other sources
Organize the words and phrases into categories or themes
Create a digital or physical notebook to store the vocabulary

Write short stories or poems in Yugtun

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Expand your knowledge of Yugtun by expressing yourself creatively through writing.

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Brainstorm ideas for short stories or poems in Yugtun
Write a draft of your story or poem, focusing on using correct grammar and vocabulary
Revise and edit your work, seeking feedback from native speakers or language experts

Attend workshops on Yugtun culture and language

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Deepen your understanding of Yugtun by immersing yourself in its cultural context.

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Find workshops that focus on Yugtun culture and language
Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and activities

Volunteer in a Yup'ik community organization

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Enhance your understanding of Yugtun and Yup'ik culture by engaging with the community.

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Find a Yup'ik community organization that aligns with your interests
Offer your time and skills to support the organization's mission and events

Compile a collection of resources on Yugtun language and culture

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Become a source of knowledge by gathering and organizing valuable resources on Yugtun.

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Conduct research to identify relevant resources on Yugtun language and culture
Organize the resources into a cohesive collection, such as a website, blog, or online repository

Career center

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

Cultural Resource Manager

Cultural resource managers protect and preserve cultural resources, such as historic buildings, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural practices. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help cultural resource managers who work with Yup'ik cultural resources or who work in communities with a significant Yup'ik population.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. They work in a variety of settings, including libraries, museums, and government agencies. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help archivists who work with Yup'ik materials or who work in communities with a significant Yup'ik population.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and television stations. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help journalists who report on issues that affect Yup'ik people or who work in communities with a significant Yup'ik population.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They develop recommendations for policy changes and work with policymakers to implement those changes. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help policy analysts who work on issues that affect Yup'ik people or who work in communities with a significant Yup'ik population.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work with communities to identify and address their needs. They develop and implement programs and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for community members. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help community organizers who work with Yup'ik communities or who work on issues that affect Yup'ik people.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people navigate complex social systems and access resources. They work with individuals, families, and groups to address a variety of issues, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help social workers who work with Yup'ik clients or who work in communities with a significant Yup'ik population.

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Teacher

Teachers develop and implement lesson plans, instruct students, and assess student learning. They may work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and universities. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help teachers who work with Yup'ik students or who teach about Yup'ik culture.

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Linguist

Linguists study the structure and use of language. They conduct research, develop theories, and teach courses on linguistics. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help build a foundation for further study in linguistics.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural anthropologists study the behavior, beliefs, and languages of different cultures. They conduct research, analyze data, and write reports on their findings. This course may be useful because it provides an introduction to the Yup'ik language and culture, which can help build a foundation for further study in cultural anthropology.

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Museum curator

Individuals in this career role are responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and display of museum artifacts. In their everyday work, they communicate with donors, researchers, and the general public, develop and deliver educational programs, and oversee the maintenance of museum collections. This course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in Yup'ik language and culture, which can enhance communication and engagement with indigenous communities and visitors to the museum.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator