Wikipedia:CULTURE/ENGLISH

Cherokee History and Culture evidences a strong tie between the language and the religious and cultural beliefs of the Cherokee People. The Cherokee Language has evolved over time, however, there a several cultural social issues regarding the use of the Language.

The original culture and religion of the Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya were closely intertwined to such a degree, that the Cherokee language itself expressed the natural world in religious and spiritual terms. In Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya society, the language, social structure, and interaction with the natural world were viewed as an interwoven tapestry that were inseparable and that existed this way to preserve the balance of forces between the two worlds, the world of physical reality, and the world of spirituality. By way of example, The word for "person" was "yv-wi" which means " it has a spiritual energy" or "it is a sentient being". This word was not only used to describe the human people, Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya, but also the deer people (a-wi-yv-wi), the bird people (tsi-sqa-yv-wi), the tree people (tlv-hv-yv-wi), and the star people (no-qui-si-yv-wi) in the ancient language. This word describes that all elements of the physical world contain a "spark" or "flame" of the spirit of the immortal and imperishable Creator spirit (also called the Aportioner in ancient legends).

Consequently, misuse of the Cherokee Language may in some cases be offensive to Native Speakers, and could rise to the level of cultural offense. Use of Cherokee words to create "sham" words or homonyms may be viewed as disrespect to the language could be perceived as obscene to many Native Speakers.

As a matter of policy, creation of Cherokee homonyms, or corrupted use of Cherokee words can border on incivility and obscenity. Honest mistakes clearly do not fall within this category, however, deliberate misuse of cherokee words or language constructs should not appear on the site or in articles, as it may offend native speakers visiting the site.

Cherokee Ceremonies and religious observances are typically performed in the Cherokee Language, and many of these ceremonies use special words which are believed to hold great power. Consequently, Cherokee people and in particular, Cherokee Elders and traditionalists view the language itself as sacred, and take great offense of those who do not hold the language in such esteem.

The Wikimedia Foundation's mission is to promote Wikipedia in many languages. This goal is not served by offending potentional editors and Native Cherokee speakers by evidencing disrespect for the Cherokee Language. In your edits on this site, please strive to show respect to Cherokee Native Speakers and editors and be aware of the reverence by which many Cherokee hold their language. Many groups, such as the Ute, have prohibitions about even writing their language down due to culturual taboos and beliefs.

Malicious misuse of the language for trolling, incivility, or disruption can be subject to blocking.