In Cherokee language, HAPPY is an active verb. The form of it means that someone is doing an action. Galieliga = I am happy (right now). Its meaning also includes the feeling of being thankful.
The Cherokee word for warrior, Dahnawa Danatlihi, literally means “War They-Are-Running-Place.” One way to translate that would be “They run to the place of war.” Or you could say, “Where they run is war.”
This time of year you might see greetings in Cherokee language:
Ulihelisdi Tsisa Undetiyisgv = Merry Christmas
Ulihelisdi Atse Udetiyisgv = Happy New Year
John Standingdeer Jr., a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has received a patent for his new and unique method for decoding the inherent patterns in the Cherokee language, making it simple and easy to learn this endangered language.
"I believed, and could not let go, that there had to be a way to understand, not just mimic like a parrot or a crow, but a way to understand it and know what you were saying. That is why this has been developed."
