Durbin Feeling and the Preservation of the Cherokee Language
The survival of indigenous languages often depends on the dedication of individuals who bridge the gap between traditional oral history and modern academic documentation. Durbin Feeling was one such pivotal figure, dedicating decades of his life to the study, teaching, and technological integration of the Cherokee language.
Feeling's journey with the language intensified upon his return from Vietnam. His commitment to linguistic preservation led to a lifelong career that spanned academia, government service, and digital innovation.
Foundations of Cherokee Linguistics
In 1975, Feeling co-wrote the first Cherokee–English dictionary. This landmark work established a formal bridge between the two languages and continues to serve as the standard publication for Cherokee language reference today.
Beyond documentation, Feeling was committed to education. He taught the Cherokee language at several institutions, including the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. Through his authorship of numerous books and research articles, he created a pedagogical framework that remains widely used by current learners and educators, many of whom were trained directly by him.
Technological Integration and the Cherokee Nation
From 1976 to 2020, Feeling served the Cherokee Nation, contributing his expertise to the language translation and technology department. He recognized early on that for a language to survive in the modern era, it must be accessible through technology.
During the 1980s, he successfully integrated the Cherokee syllabary—the writing system used to represent the Cherokee language—into a word processor. This effort laid the groundwork for further digital expansion.
Feeling also played a critical role in adding the Cherokee syllabary to Unicode, the international computing standard for consistent encoding of text. This achievement ensured that the Cherokee script could be displayed and used across computers and smartphones globally.
Key Facts
- Standard Reference: Co-authored the first Cherokee–English dictionary in 1975.
- Academic Influence: Taught at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa.
- Public Service: Worked for the Cherokee Nation from 1976 to 2020.
- Digital Legacy: Facilitated the inclusion of the Cherokee syllabary in Unicode and early word processors.
| Area of Impact | Key Achievement | Timeline/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Literature | First Cherokee–English Dictionary | 1975 |
| Education | University teaching and instructional materials | Various Institutions |
| Government | Language translation and technology roles | 1976–2020 |
| Technology | Unicode and word processor integration | 1980s and beyond |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Cherokee–English dictionary co-written by Feeling?
Published in 1975, it is the first of its kind and remains the standard publication for those seeking a reference for the Cherokee language.
How did Durbin Feeling influence current Cherokee language teachers?
Many current teachers learned the language directly from Feeling, and his instructional materials continue to be widely utilized in classrooms.
What is the Cherokee syllabary?
The Cherokee syllabary is the unique writing system used to write the Cherokee language.
Why was the addition of the syllabary to Unicode important?
Adding the syllabary to Unicode allowed the Cherokee script to be standardized and widely available on modern digital devices, such as smartphones and computers.
How long did Durbin Feeling work for the Cherokee Nation?
He worked for the Cherokee Nation for 44 years, from 1976 until 2020.