Alaska Native Culture - 2024
Alaska Native Languages
2023-09-28 14:27:29
There are 20 distinct Alaska Native languages spoken throughout the state, which also vary linguistically with 300 different dialects. The 20 languages descend from four official language families: the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan; Na-Dené (Athabascan, Eyak, Tlingit); Haida; and Tsimshian.
It’s important for us to preserve and perpetuate Alaska Native languages to carry on cultural traditions and storytelling. We invite you to learn some of our words and hear our language and stories on your visit to Alaska.
Meet & greet
WITH SO MANY DISTINCT LANGUAGES, THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SAY HELLO. HERE ARE A FEW ALASKA NATIVE GREETINGS:
» Cama-i!
Hello!
Sugpiaq
» Qanuq itpiñ?
How are you?
Iñupiaq
» Sán uu dáng gíidang?
How are you?
Haida
»Dzaanh nezoonh!
Hello!
Koyukon Athabascan
» Wáa sá iyatee?
How are you?
Tlingit
» Waqaa!
Hi!
Central Yup’ik
» Do’int’a?
How are you?
Tanana Athabascan
» Aang
Hello
Unangam Tunuu
» Neenjit dôonch’yàa?
How are you?
Gwich’in Athabascan
» Natesiin?
How are you?
St. Lawrence Island Yupik
DID YOU KNOW?
Some Alaska Native stories say that in the distant time, humans spoke the same language as animals. And some say it was the animals that felt sorry for humans and taught them better ways of survival. Many still believe this notion, choosing to live with humility and respect for the spirit of not only the animals, but all natural elements.
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