alaska native languages 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 . @rayrumbargerphotos KETCHIKAN WITH SO MANY DISTINCT LANGUAGES, THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SAY HELLO. HERE ARE A FEW ALASKA NATIVE GREETINGS. Cama-i! Hello! meet & greet Hi! Waqaa! Sugpiaq Qanuq itpiñ? How are you? Central Yup’ik Do’int’a? How are you? 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. DID YOU KNOW? Iñupiaq Tanana Athabascan Aang Hello Sán uu dáng gíidang? How are you? Haida Unangam Tunuu Neenjit dôonch’yàa? How are you? Dzaanh nezoonh! Hello! Koyukon Athabascan Wáa sá iyatee? How are you? Gwich’in Athabascan Natesiin? How are you? Tlingit St. Lawrence Island Yupik MCNEIL RIVER STATE GAME SANCTUARY ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE TRAVELALASKA.COM
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