The modern Cherokee Nation consists of seven clans. These units are the heart and soul of the Cherokee people. Within the individual clan unit is the du-da-ti-na-v-i--the family. Universally, the family unit is the core of an individual’s personal evolution. Among the Cherokee, family life is vital. To explore this concept, we will break down the family unit into immediate and extended family members. Match the syllables with the syllabary chart to see what these words will look like in di-tsa-la-gi. We will start with a review of the principal clan units and then discuss the terms used to describe individual family members.
The Seven Clans
In the distant past, the Cherokee consisted of 14 clans. However, absorption and extinction has reduced this number to seven. Research has indicated that these clans once held certain ceremonial functions within the greater community. While there is no evidence of these functions among the modern Cherokee, the clans remain an important part of their cultural heritage. Within the clan structure, a child belongs to the same clan as his or her mother. Laws prohibiting marriage between the members of the same clan still exist in some Cherokee communities. Here are the seven clans extant among the modern Cherokee Nation.
A-ni Tsi-squa—Bird Clan
A-ni Sa-ha-ni—Blue Clan
A-ni A-wi—Deer Clan
A-ni Gi-la-hi—Hair Clan
A-ni Wa-di—Paint Clan
A-ni Ga-ta-ge-wi—Wild Potato Clan
A-ni Wa-ya—Wolf Clan
Tsa-la-gi Du-da-ti-na-v-i
To underscore the importance of family life, the Cherokee once employed a variety of terms to distinguish immediate and extended family members. However, time and social enculturation has reduced this number significantly. As with other languages, the Cherokee have developed a means to differentiate between direct address and reference forms of these terms. The term used when speaking to a member of the family may differ slightly from the term used when speaking about a member of the family. Here are some examples.
When speaking of a family member:
Mother—A-gi-tsi
Father—A-gi-do-da
Grandmother—A-gi-li:-si
Grandfather—A-gi-du-da
When speaking to a family member:
Mother—E:-tsi
Father—E-do-da
Grandmother—E-li-si
Grandfather—E-du-da
For the purposes of further study, I have purposely omitted “brother” and “sister”. We will review the more complicated usage of these terms at a later date. For now, practice saying these words and match the syllables with the chart.
Sources:
Michael Garrett. Walking on the Wind. (Rochester:Bear and Company Publishing, 1998).
Ruth Bradley Holmes and Betty Sharp Smith. Beginning Cherokee. (Norman; University of Oklahoma Press, 1977).
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