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Cherokee Reference Grammar is a groundbreaking and comprehensive resource dedicated to the Cherokee language, its structure, and its cultural importance. This book is the first and only complete published grammar of the Cherokee language, offering an in-depth exploration of the language’s pronunciation, orthography, parts of speech, and syntax. It serves as both a scholarly reference for linguists and an accessible guide for those passionate about preserving Cherokee heritage.

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At the heart of the book is the Cherokee syllabary, the oldest and most renowned Native American writing system in the United States, invented by Sequoyah in 1821. This innovative system sparked a literacy revolution, leading to 19th-century Cherokee literacy rates as high as 90%. The book focuses on the Oklahoma dialect spoken by the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians but provides insights that apply across all Cherokee dialects.

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Brad Montgomery-Anderson opens with a brief history of the Cherokee people and an overview of language revitalization efforts, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving Cherokee culture. The grammar itself is structured to guide readers from foundational concepts to complex linguistic structures, with examples drawn from various sources, including the Cherokee Phoenix. To enhance understanding, the book includes audio clips of text examples, making it a practical tool for learning pronunciation and usage.

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In addition to the main content, the book features three appendices: a glossary, a typescript for the audio component, and a collection of literary texts, including traditional stories and a historical narrative about a search party on the Arkansas River. These additions provide further insight into Cherokee culture and storytelling traditions.

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The Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the United States, along with the United Keetoowah Band and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been at the forefront of ambitious language revitalization programs to combat the decline in native speakers. This grammar is a vital contribution to those efforts, offering a resource that is both practical and inspiring for anyone working to preserve the Cherokee language and its cultural legacy.

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Whether you are a scholar, student, or language enthusiast, Cherokee Reference Grammar is an essential guide for understanding the Cherokee language on its own terms, celebrating its rich history, and contributing to the ongoing efforts to ensure its survival for future generations.