alaska native languages 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. WITH SO MANY DISTINCT LANGUAGES, THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SAY HELLO. HERE ARE A FEW ALASKA NATIVE GREETINGS: LEXI QASS’UQ TRAINER CUP’IK/YUP’IK (WOMEN), CHRIS MCLENNAN/TRAVEL ALASKA (BEAR) meet & greet Hi! 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. DID YOU KNOW? Hello! Cama-i! Waqaa! Sugpiaq How are you? Central Yup’ik How are you? Qanuq itpiñ? Do’int’a? Iñupiaq Tanana Athabascan Hello Sán uu dáng gíidang? How are you? Aang Haida Unangam Tunuu Neenjit dôonch’yàa? How are you? Dzaanh nezoonh! Hello! Koyukon Athabascan How are you? Gwich’in Athabascan How are you? Wáa sá iyatee? Natesiin? Tlingit St. Lawrence Island Yupik 13
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