Sequoyah: Inventor of the Cherokee Syllabary

In the early 1800s, Sequoia, a self-taught linguist, created a written language for the Cherokee Nation. Born in Tuskegee, he was bilingual and fascinated by the written communication of white settlers. This led him to develop a syllabary for the Cherokee language, consisting of 86 symbols. Despite initial skepticism, demonstrations with his daughter Ayoka showed its practicality, leading to widespread adoption. The syllabary enabled the creation of the first Cherokee newspaper and played a crucial role in preserving Cherokee history and culture.

What skills did Sequoia teach himself while growing up in the Cherokee town of Tuskegee?

• Blacksmithing and jewelry making

• Sculpting and pottery

• Carpentry and painting

• Farming and weaving

What inspired Sequoia to create a written language for the Cherokee?

• His interest in European literature

• His interactions with other Native American tribes

• His fascination with 'talking leaves' and the advantages of written communication

• His desire to preserve oral traditions

How many symbols did Sequoia's original syllabary contain?

• 50 symbols

• 26 symbols

• 86 symbols

• 100 symbols

What was the initial reaction of the Cherokee community to Sequoia's syllabary?

• Immediate acceptance and enthusiasm

• Skepticism and doubt

• Indifference and lack of interest

• Hostility and rejection

What significant development occurred as a result of the widespread use of Sequoia's syllabary?

• The adoption of English as the primary language

• The formation of a new Cherokee alphabet

• The decline of oral traditions

• The creation of the first Cherokee newspaper