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Online Language Class Logo

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Anyone wanting to learn the Cherokee language will soon have the chance. The Cherokee Nation website will begin offering free Cherokee language classes to the public.

Registration for the Cherokee language on-line class will begin Tuesday May 27 and classes will begin June 3. There will be two classes available and they will both be in session for eight weeks. Class times will be either 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays or 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Class size is limited to 100 students per class, with an additional 50 being signed up on a stand-by list.

"We found that only about half that are registered actually showed up for the first two classes", said Tonia Williams, web manager for the Cherokee Nation. "So, instead of losing those seats, we will offer those empty seats to those who are on the stand-by list. Those who do not make this class from the stand-by list will be the first notified for the next classes available."

"If an individual misses a class they will be able to view the video and see each lesson because we will archive each class", said Ben Phillips, website technician for the Cherokee Nation.

The Cherokee language class will be taught by several Cherokee fluent instructors, both from the Cherokee Nation Cultural Resource Center and within the community. The lessons will start off at a basic level, learning the Cherokee sounds and vocabulary words. Quizzes and polls will also be incorporated into the on-line classes. By the end of the eight-week class, students will be able to build basic sentences. The instructors will also utilize video, slides and chat to allow interaction between the students and instructors.

"We had a test class that lasted for 10 weeks", Williams said.

"During the trial run, the students did an excellent job giving positive feedback to let us know what adjustments needed to be made for the class", Phillips said.

Anna Huckaby, language training coordinator for the Cultural Resource Center said, "The highest point for me was when I heard the students putting their own words together and making phrases. That was great."

"One of the missions of the Cherokee Nation website is to provide information, education, as well as preserving and assisting in the revitalization of the Cherokee history, culture and language", Williams said. "We hope that this teaching tool will provide a new and exciting user experience while learning the Cherokee language."

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671