http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/12/23/apple_partners_with_cherokee_tribe_to_put_language_on_iphones.html
Apple partners with Cherokee tribe to put language on iPhones
By Slash Lane
Published: 03:00 PM EST
Apple has partnered with a Native American tribe to develop Cherokee
language software for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, in an effort to
ensure the language is not forgotten.
Apple's work with the Cherokee tribe was highlighted in a profile
published Wednesday by The Associated Press. The Cherokee people hope
to spread the use of their language amongst tech-savvy children who
use devices like the iPhone and iPad.
While software has already been developed for the iPhone and iPod
touch, an iPad version of the application is also said to be in
development. At the Cherokee Nation language immersion school in
Tahlequah, Okla., teachers use the technology to text students in
Cherokee after school to encourage use of the native tongue.
"Tribal officials first contacted Apple about getting Cherokee on the
iPhone three years ago," the report said, adding: "After many
discussions... the Cupertino, Calif.-based company surprised the tribe
by coming through this fall."
Apple's legendary secrecy was even in place when it came to adding the
Cherokee language to the iPhone. The tribe didn't learn that Apple had
granted their request until right before iOS 4.1 was released in
September.
Apple wouldn't comment on the matter, or say how much the development
cost, but tribe officials claim that Cherokee is the only American
Indian language supported by Apple devices.
The Cherokee language was developed in 1821 by a blacksmith named
Sequoyah. The tribe is said to take particular pride in their
alphabet, and obtained a printing press to publish the Cherokee
Phoenix in 1828.
But today, only about 8,000 of the 290,000 Cherokee tribe members
speak the language, and most of those who do are 50 or older. The
tribe is concerned that their language could disappear.
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