Yup’ik Language and Culture
Bachelor's Degree Program
ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ is a land of diverse languages and cultures. One of these languages is Central ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵn Yup’ik, which is part of the Yupik branch of the Eskimo-Aleut language family, spoken in western and southwestern ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.
The bachelor’s degree in Yup’ik language and culture at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ is the only program of its kind in the world. It offers a unique opportunity not only to learn the language, but to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native people and the Yup’ik way of life.
One of the opportunities you’ll have in this program is to work with linguists at the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native Language Center, internationally known and recognized as the major center in the United States for the study of Eskimo and Northern Athabascan languages. You’ll also get to access materials at the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native Language Archive, the premier repository worldwide for information relating to the Native languages of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree in Yup’ik language and culture, we also offer an associate degree and certificate in Yup’ik language proficiency.
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Why Study Yup’ik Language and Culture at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ?
ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ offers the only bachelor’s degree in Yup’ik language and culture in the world, offering a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Yup’ik way of life. Read on to learn more about the opportunities you’ll have when you study Yup’ik at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.
Explore the Festival of Native Arts at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ
What Can You Do With a Degree in Yup’ik Language and Culture?
Many graduates of the bachelor’s degree in Yup’ik language and culture return to their communities and incorporate the Yup’ik language into their teaching or workplace. The Yup’ik program is also excellent preparation for graduate study in applied linguistics—a program offered at the University of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Fairbanks.
Examples of what some of our students and recent graduates are doing include:
- Incorporating Yup’ik into the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Village Electric Cooperative website for easier access to members’ accounts.
- Translating and transcribing manuscripts and interviews for statewide publications for Calista Corporation in Anchorage.
- Working as translator and transcriber for the Calista Elders’ Council.
Explore Classes in the Yup’ik Language and Culture Degree
Our goal is to reinforce a Yup’ik identity that is centrally dependent on the language and culture and prepare our students for success in the world and at home. Required classes cover such topics as Yup’ik grammar, the cultural knowledge of Native Elders, Yup’ik literature and reading and writing Yup’ik.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Yup’ik Language and Culture
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