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Cherokee Nation launches dictionary app, reports growth in language programs
Summary
Language department unveiled a dictionary app, described large-scale audio archiving and reported class participation and apprenticeship expansion as part of ongoing language revitalization.
Howard Peyton, representing the Cherokee Nation Language Department, told the Culture Committee the department recently "announced and brought forth our dictionary app," and described extensive archival and learning work underpinning it. Peyton said the app currently contains about 6,000 words and the program holds roughly 1,000 hours of archived recordings that staff are time-stamping and preparing for upload.
Peyton described broader program activity and metrics: he reported 631 participants in November online classes and said the department translated "more than 10,000 words in Cherokee." He outlined curriculum development (about 12 units), animation and storybook projects with multiple grade-level versions, the Book of Praise app with time-stamped readings and singing, and teacher training and apprenticeship programs now active in Kenwood and Greasy.
On scheduling and intensity, Peyton told councilors the program has considered evening master-apprentice offerings for working participants but emphasized research showing "you really need about 16 to 18 hours of continual contact with language, per week" to maintain progress and avoid stagnation. Councilors thanked staff and discussed briefings planned for an upcoming intertribal legislative luncheon.
Peyton also noted partnerships and community programming, including a DreamWorks studio visit for youth and a new podcast episode tied to recent productions. Committee members did not vote on policy or budgets during the presentation.
