
Google adds Cherokee to searchable languages
- Details
- Parent Category: Indigenous Culture
- Category: Native Language
- Published: 06 April 2011

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (AP) April 2011
The Internet can now be searched using the Cherokee language.
Google announced that its added the Cherokee written language, called Cherokee Syllabary, to its list of searchable languages. The company also created an on-screen keyboard with the Cherokee language so content can be searched without a specialized keyboard.
The company worked with volunteer translators from the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah to translate Googles interface into the language.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said in a news release that Googles efforts will increase the languages use among young people.
The 85-character syllabary has slowly died out since its creation in the early 1800s. Only about 8,000 of the tribes 290,000 members can speak the language.
The Internet can now be searched using the Cherokee language.
Google announced that its added the Cherokee written language, called Cherokee Syllabary, to its list of searchable languages. The company also created an on-screen keyboard with the Cherokee language so content can be searched without a specialized keyboard.
The company worked with volunteer translators from the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah to translate Googles interface into the language.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said in a news release that Googles efforts will increase the languages use among young people.
The 85-character syllabary has slowly died out since its creation in the early 1800s. Only about 8,000 of the tribes 290,000 members can speak the language.