Students Compete to Become Cherokee Language Bowl Champs

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation recently held the Cherokee Language Bowl, a competition promoting the study, use and retention of the Cherokee language to students throughout the tribe's jurisdiction in a fun, competitive environment.

Culture Connection

“The language bowl is a place where many of the students shine,”

said Sue Thompson, Cherokee language specialist for Cherokee Nation.

“The competitive setting raises self-esteem while giving students an opportunity to show off not only the Cherokee words and phrases they have learned, but also the sounds of the Cherokee syllabry.”

The language bowl has been held annually by Cherokee Nation for more than 11 years. This year, more than 290 Cherokee students competed in 58 teams to become the language bowl champions and take home part of the $6,000 in awards. Teams, which consist of five players, competed in multiple rooms resulting in multiple winners in every division for first, second and third place. Per student, first place received $50, second place received $40 and third place received $30.

“The Cherokee Nation is committed to preserving our language and keeping our youth connected to our culture in every way possible,”

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said.

“The language bowl contest is a way for our students to demonstrate those skills in a fun environment.”

Grove and Collinsville were the division one first place winners, which included kindergarten through second grade. Collinsville also took home second place along with Kenwood. Belfonte - Bell and Kenwood rounded out that division in third place.

Third through fifth grade made up division two. Two teams from Grove and one from Salina took home first place. Claremore, Kenwood and Salina took second place and Collinsville, Kenwood and Claremore took home third place.

Division three consisted of middle school students in grades sixth through eighth. Two teams from Grove and one team from Pryor took home $50 each and the first place title. Second place winners were Pryor and two teams from Grove. Rounding out the division with third place finishes were Collinsville, Catoosa and Maryetta.

High School students in grades ninth through twelfth made up division four. Teams from Sequoyah High School and Grove won first and second place. Grove also won third place in the division along with Tahlequah.

All participating students and two guests of their choice will attend the Cherokee Language Bowl Awards Ceremony and luncheon on Thursday, May 10 to receive awards and plaques.

posted January 17, 2011 7:40 am est