Jessica Harjo

The School of Design presents Jessica Harjo:
Exploring Native American Languages and Design: A New Typeface for the Osage Nation of Oklahoma

Many Native American languages are becoming extinct with the loss of native speakers. What do we do once they are gone? As historically oral languages, we are currently witnessing the transition of these languages into technological learning systems, computer applications, and typographic symbols.

Jessica Harjo believes that technology and digital revitalization can help preserve a language, and furthermore, a culture. In her lecture, Ms. Harjo will share her process for designing a new typeface for the Osage language. By exploring the current language movements of this nation in Oklahoma, her typeface promotes the identity and cultural meaning of their orthography. 

For more information, contact:
Monica Morris
mmorris@uarts.edu
School of Design, The University of the Arts