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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Resource Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Anthropologist

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