CultureJuly 4, 2026
syllabary
/ˈsɪləˌbɛri/
Definition
A writing system in which each character represents a complete syllable rather than a single sound, such as the set of characters used to write the Cherokee language.
Etymology
The word derives from the Greek 'syllabē', meaning 'syllable', combined with the suffix '-ary', denoting a collection. It entered English in the 17th century to describe writing systems that utilize phonetic syllables.
In the news
The article lists 'Cherokee Syllabary' as a specific category under its cultural resources, highlighting its importance as the script used by Cherokee speakers and educators like the store owners.
New Tulsa bookstore sets the stage for Indigenous language, music and culture
Read the full article ↗cherokeephoenix.org