Language among the Cherokee: Patterns of Language Use in Northerastern Oklahoma. Part I: Preliminary Report

Preliminary findings of a survey of Cherokee language and education and the data collection and analysis methods are reported. The survey was designed to study language use, bilingualism, and education in the Cherokee community. The scope of the survey encompassed Cherokee children between the ages of 5 and 14 who attended public school and lived within the traditional area of the Cherokee Nation. A total of 198 children were randomly selected from eight schools within this area. Major findings are summarized regarding (1) household language use, (2) individual language use and change across generations, (3) children's language proficiency, (4) opinions about languages and bilingualism, (5) bilingual education, (6) language learning and teaching at home, and (7) the impact of television and radio. Information is provided on how the survey was organized, designed, and conducted. The procedures for selecting the respondents and the characteristics of the respondents are described. (RW)