Alaska Native Culture - 2023
ALASKA NATIVE LANGUAGES
2022-08-28 16:43:25
HOW MANY CAN YOU NAME?
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.
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 the 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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