Cherokee Nation steps up language revitalization: 4,300 words recorded for dictionary app, speaker surveys expand
Language Department lead Howard Peyton told the Culture Committee the Nation has recorded about 4,300 words for a dictionary app and aims to exceed 20,000 words by Sept. 30; staff reported 323 speaker surveys completed so far and outlined home‑visit outreach and apprenticeship programs to support first‑language speakers.
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Howard Peyton, speaking for the Cherokee Nation Language Department, gave the Culture Committee a detailed update on the tribe’s language‑revitalization effort, describing digital, classroom and field work intended to bolster Cherokee use and documentation. "We’ve recorded for the dictionary 4,300 words," Peyton said, adding that the team expects "by September 30, we'll have on that dictionary app over 20,000 words and phrases." Peyton framed the work as a mix of tech and practice, from teacher training to elder‑apprentice work.
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