Journeying Into Cherokee: Help and Encouragement for Learning the Cherokee Language

by Ed Fields, Mary Rae

There are fewer than 2000 native speakers of Cherokee left, and they will be gone within a generation or two. Many people want to help the language by learning Cherokee, but they may not know where to begin.

Journeying Into Cherokee was written to encourage people to study the language, while providing them with the tools to be successful.

Topics covered include the why learning Cherokee is important; how to overcome negative attitudes; how to begin; how to use the language in your everyday life from day one; strategies to ensure retention; pitfalls to avoid; understanding the difference between English and Cherokee; the challenge of translation; how to utilize resources; thinking in Cherokee, and more. Alternating chapters from native-speaker Ed Fields and second-language learner Mary Rae give readers a valuable dual perspective on these topics.

The last chapter is a transcription of a short translation on which the authors collaborated. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section and an extensive list of resources to help students on their journey into the language.

Ed Fields' and Mary Rae's chapters are, at times, deeply personal, with moments of humor as well as somber reflections, and are sure to engage the reader.

Journeying Into Cherokee shows that everyone who is motivated can learn Cherokee and enjoy the process.

231 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2023

Reviews

[Jessie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really beautiful at times and always very encouraging. It’s written in parallel by a longtime teacher of Cherokee language and one of his most successful students who acquired Cherokee as a second language. I found it really useful to hear about the language from both perspectives. Learning Cherokee is overwhelming sometimes because of the limited resources and the concern that the language is endangered and possibly dying out. The authors delicately navigated empowering learners to do their part to save the language without putting overwhelming pressure on them to do so. In a practical sense, the book contains helpful lists of and links to resources valuable to learners.

[Melinda Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wado to Ed & Meli for this book! I am currently in Cherokee 3 and consider this book a jewel in my journey to acquiring my Dad’s first language! It reads as if we’re sitting at the kitchen table having coffee and conversation! I will treasure it always and hope to attend an immersion class someday and get the authors to sign it! If you’re currently learning Cherokee or even considering the journey…this book is full of thoughtful encouragement!!!

[Kristi Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing resource for anyone learning Cherokee as it includes learning strategies, materials to use and suggestions for further learning. But perhaps more importantly to a second language learner, this book gives you the support and encouragement to keep learning and never stop.

[Dwreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you are interested in learning to speak (and read) Cherokee, this book is a wonderful introduction to the process, challenges and rewards of doing so. Co-authored by a first language Cherokee speaker, who is also a superb Cherokee language instructor for the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a second language learner who has become proficient in the language, they are active cheerleaders for your Cherokee language journey. There are many myths that discourage people from attempting to learn this beautiful and endangered language. Ed Fields and Mary Rae, help you to put them in perspective and show you this a a worthy endevor and one you can succeed in accomplishing.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wado, Ed ale Meli, for this incredibly valuable book. It is inspiring when I need inspiration, it is enlightening when I find myself navigating confusion, and encouraging when I’m not feeling confident. Galiheliga.