Tribes by Language
At the time of Columbus’ arrival, America had a population of 75,000,000 people that spoke 2,000 languages in North, Central, and South America. In the world today, approximately 6,000 languages are spoken, and only about 600 languages are expected to survive this century.
There are more than 800 indigenous languages in the Western Hemisphere. In the US, 165 native american languages are still spoken.
Seventy-four native american languages are almost extinct, with only a handful of elderly speakers. Fifty-eight indigenous languages have fewer than 1,000 fluent speakers, twenty-five have 1,000-10,000 speakers, and only 8 native american languages have more than 10,000 speakers.
Many indigenous languages of the Americas are endangered, and many others are extinct, with no living native speakers.
Language scholars estimate that before the time of Columbus, over 300 languages were spoken in North America north of Mexico. Since then, that number has dropped to about 175 indigenous languages.
One estimate predicts that number will dwindle to less than 20 by the year 2050.
When our children were sent to government boarding schools, they were severely punished for speaking our native languages, and over time many of them were nearly forgotten.
We believe that languages have a spirit all their own.It is our vision for the future to once again hear whole generations of native people fluently speaking thier native languages. For as long as one person speaks a language, that language’s people and traditions and history will survive and thrive.
The classification below is a composite of Goddard (1996), Campbell (1997), and Mithun (1999).
Native American Languages in the United States
Adai †
Algic
- Carolina Algonquian (United States) (also known as Pamlico, Pamtico, Pampticough, Christianna Algonquian) †
- Central Algonquian(23)
- Atikamekw (Canada)
- Moose Cree (Canada)
- Northern East Cree (Canada)
- Plains Cree (Canada)
- Southern East Cree (Canada)
- Swampy Cree (Canada)
- Woods Cree (Canada)
- Montagnais (Canada)
- Naskapi (Canada)
Ojibwa (8)
- Algonquin (Canada)
- Chippewa (United States)
- Central Ojibwa (Canada)
- Eastern Ojibwa(Canada)
- Northwestern Ojibwa (Canada)
- Severn Ojibwa (Canada)
- Western Ojibwa (Canada)
- Ottawa (Canada)
Kickapoo (United States)
Menominee (United States)
Meskwaki (United States)
Miami (United States) (aka Illinois and Illinois-Miami) (Officially extinct but a revitalization program is in progress since an extensive dictionary exists)
Potawatomi (United States)
Shawnee (United States)
-
- Delaware
- Munsee
- Unami (also known as Lenape) †
- Northern Unami
- Southern Unami
-
- Unalachtigo
- Eastern Abnaki,(United States)(also known as Abenaki or Abenaki-Penobscot)
- Penobscot (also known as Old Town or Old Town Penobscot)
- Caniba
- Aroosagunticook
- Pigwacket
- Etchemin (uncertain) †
- Loup A (probably Nipmuck) (uncertain) †
- Loup B (Uncertain) †
- Western Abnaki (Canada) (also known as Abnaki, St. Francis, Abenaki, or Abenaki-Penobscot)
- Malecite-Passamaquoddy (Canada) (also known as Maliseet-Passamquoddy)
- Maliseet (also known as Malecite)
- Passamaquoddy
Massachusett (United States) †
North Shore (United States)
Natick (United States)
Wampanoag (United States)
Nauset (United States)
Cowesit (United States)
Micmac (Canada and United States) (also known as Mic Mac, Mi’kmaq, Mi’gmaq, or Mi’kmaw)
Mohegan-Montauk-Narragansett (United States) (aka Mohegan-Pequot-Montauk)
Mohegan †
Montauk
Narragansett †
Niantic
Pequot †
Shinnecock (uncertain) †
Munsee (Canada)
Nanticoke (United States)
Nanticoke †
Piscataway (also known as Conoy)
Choptank
Powhatan (United States) (also known as Virginia Algonquian) †
Quiripi-Naugatuck-Unquachog
Quiripi (also known as Quinnipiak or Connecticut) †
Naugatuck †
Unquachog †
Arapaho (3)
Arapaho (Heenetiit) (United States)
Gros Ventre (United States)
Nawathinehena (United States)
Blackfoot (Canada) and Blackfeet (United States)
Cheyenne (United States)
Mahican (also known as Mohican) (Extinct)
Moravian
Stockbridge
Piscataway (United States)
Unclassified (1)
Lumbee (United States)
Wiyot(1)
Wiyot (United States) †
Yurok(1)
Yurok (United States)
Alsean (2) †
Atakapa †
Beothuk †
Caddoan (Macro-Siouan?)(5)
Northern Caddoan (4)
Pawnee-Kitsai (3)
Kitsai (1) (a.k.a. Kichai)
Kitsai (USA)
Pawnee (2)
Arikara (USA) (a.k.a. Ree)
Pawnee (USA) (dialects: South Bend, Skiri (a.k.a. Skidi or Wolf Band))
Wichita (1)
Wichita (USA) (dialects: Wichita proper, Waco, Towakoni)
Southern Caddoan (1)
Caddo (USA) (dialects: Kadohadacho, Hasinai, Natchitoches, Yatasi)
Cayuse †
Chimakuan (2)
Chimakum (USA)
Quileute (USA)
Chimariko †
Chinookan (3)
Kathlamet (a.k.a. Katlamat, Cathlamet)
Lower Chinook (a.k.a. Coastal Chinook)
Clatsop (USA)
Shoalwater (a.k.a. Chinook proper) (USA)
Upper Chinook (a.k.a. Kiksht, Columbia Chinook)
Cascades (USA)
Clackamas (USA)
Hood River (USA)
Multnomah (USA)
Wasco-Wishram (2)
Wasco (USA)
Wishram (USA)
White Salmon (USA)
Chitimacha †
Chumashan (7)
Barbareño (USA)
Chumash (USA) †
Cruzeño (USA)
Ineseño (USA)
Obispeño (USA)
Purisimeño (USA)
Ventureño (USA)
Coahuilteco †
Comecrudan (United States & Mexico) (3) †
Comecrudo (a.k.a. Mulato or Carrizo)
Garza
Mamulique (a.k.a. Carrizo de Mamulique)
Coosan (2) † (This language has been moved to Penutian.)
Hanis
Miluk (also known as Lower Coquille)
Creole Language Family
Cotoname †
Eskimo–Aleut (7) (also called Eskaleut)
Aleut
Western-Central
Atkan
Attuan
Unangan
Bering
Eastern
Unalaskan
Pribilof
Eskimo(Yupik-Inuit languages)
Yupik (or Yup’ik)
Central Alaskan Yup’ik
Yugtun Alutiiq (Pacific Gulf Yup’ik)
Central Siberian Yupik (Yuit or Chaplinon and St. Lawrence Island)
Naukan
Qawiaraq(Seward Peninsula)
Chaplinski Sirenik † (viewed as an independent branch by some)
Inuit
Inupiaq or Inupiat (northern Alaska)
Inuvialuktun (western Canada)
Kangiryuarmiutun (Ulukhaktok sometimes listed as Inuinnaqtun)
Siglitun (Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk)
Uummarmiutun (Aklavik, Inuvik from Inupiaq)
Inuktitut (eastern Canada)
Nunatsiavummiutut (Nunatsiavut)
Inuttitut (Nunavik)
Kalaallisut (Greenland)
Inuktun (Avanersuarmiutut)East Greenlandic (Tunumiit oraasiat)
Hokan (23)
Esselen-Yuman (10)
Esselen † (1)
Esselen (United States)
Yuman (9)
Cochimi (1)
Cochimi (Mexico)
Delta-Californian (2)
Cocopa (Mexico)
Kumiai (Mexico)
Kiliwa (1)
Kiliwa (Mexico)
Pai (1)
Paipai (Mexico)
River Yuman (3)
Maricopa (United States)
Mohave (United States)
Quechan (United States)
Upland Yuman (1)
Havasupai-Walapai-Yavapai (United States)
Northern (12)
Karok-Shasta (4)
Shasta-Palaihnihan (3)
Palaihnihan (2)
Shastan (1)
Karok
Pomo (7)
Russian River and Eastern (6)
Eastern (1)
Russian River (5)
Southeastern (1)
Southeastern Pomo (United States)
Chimariko (United States)
Washo (1)
Washo (United States)
Iroquoian (11)
Northern Iroquoian
Lakes Iroquoian
Five Nations and Susquehannock
Seneca-Onondaga
Seneca-Cayuga
Seneca
Cayuga
Onodaga
Mohawk-Oneida
Oneida
Mohawk
Susquehannock †
Huronian
Wyandot (Huron-Petun)†
Neutral †
Erie †
Tuscarora-Nottoway
Tuscarora (seriously endangered)
Nottoway †
Southern Iroquoian
Cherokee
Kalapuyan (3) †
Karankawa †
Karuk
Keresan (2)
Eastern Keres
Western Keres
Kutenai
Maiduan (4)
Muskogean (9)
Western Muskogean
Chickasaw
Choctaw
Central Muskogean
Alabama (alternate name: Alibamu
Apalachee †
Hitchiti-Mikisaki
Koasati (alternate name: Coushatta)
Eastern Muskogean
Creek (alternate names: Muskogee, Maskoke, Seminole)
Na-Dene (47)
Haida (2)
Northern Haida (Canada)
Sothern Haida (Canada)
Nuclear Na-Dene (45)
Athapaskan-Eyak (44)
Athapaskan (43)
Apachean (6)
Kiowa Apache (1)
Apache, Kiowa [apk] (United States)
Navajo-Apache (5)
Eastern Apache (3)
Apache, Jicarilla (United States)
Apache, Lipan (United States)
Apache, Mescalero-Chiricahua (United States)
Western Apache-Navajo (2)
Apache, Western (United States)
Navajo (United States)
Canadian (13)
Beaver-Sekani (2)
Beaver(Canada)
Sekani (Canada)
Carrier-Chilcotin (4)
Babine-Carrier (3)
Babine (Canada)
Carrier
Southern Carrier(Canada)
Chilcotin (1)
Han-Kutchin (2)
Gwich’in(Canada)
Han (USA)
Hare-Chipewyan (4)
Sarcee (1)
Ingalik-Koyukon (3)
Ingalik (1)
Koyukon-Holikachuk (2)
Pacific Coast (9)
California (4)
Oregon (5)
Tahltan-Kaska (3)
Kaska (Canada)
Tahltan(Canada)
Tagish(Canada)
Tanaina-Ahtna (2)
Ahtena (USA)
Tanaina(USA)
Tanana-Upper Kuskokwim (4)
Tanana (3)
Upper Kuskokwim (1)
Tutchone (2)
Southern Tutchone(Canada)
Northern Tutchone(Canada)
Tstsaut(Canada)
Eyak (1)
Eyak(USA)
Tlingit (1)
Tlingit (USA)
Natchez †
Palaihnihan (2)
Plateau Penutian (4) (also known as Shahapwailutan)
Pomoan (7)
Salinan †
Salishan (23)
Shastan (4) †
Siouan–Catawban (19)
Siuslaw †
Solano †
Takelma †
Tanoan (7)
Timucua †
Tonkawa †
Tsimshianic (2)
Tunica †
Utian (15) (also known as Miwok–Costanoan)
Uto-Aztecan (33)
Wakashan (7)
Wappo †
Washo
Wintuan (4)
Yana †
Yokutsan (3)
Yuchi
Yuki †
Yuman (11)
Zuni
† = Extinct languages
Unclassified Languages:
Campbell et al. (2007) list the following extinct and nearly unattested language varieties of North America as unclassifiable due to lack of data.
Eyeish
Coree
Sewee
Cusabo
Shoccoree-Eno (see Eno people)
Pascagoula
Quinipissa
Opelousa
Pedee
Bayogoula
Okelousa
Congaree
Winyaw (see Winyaw)
Santee (see Santee tribe. distinguish Santee Sioux)
Okchai-Chacato (see Okchai, Chatot people)
Tequesta
Guale
Sanan
Yamasee
Akokisa
Avoyel
Tocobaga (see Tocobaga)
Houma
Neusiok (see Neusiok people)
Ubate
Cape Fear
Pensacola (see Pensacola people)
Bidai
Wateree (see Wateree people)
Mobile
Michigamea
Pakana
Saxapahaw
Keyauwee
Guachichil *
Suma-Jumano * (see Suma & Jumanos)
Huite *
Concho *
Jova *
Acaxee * (see Acaxee)
Xixime (Jijime) *
Zacatec * (see Zacatecos; perhaps the same as Acaxee)
Tahue *
Guasave *
Toboso * (see Tobosos)
* Ethnographic evidences suggests these varieties might have been Uto-Aztecan
===========================================
The classification below is a composite of Goddard (1996), Campbell (1997), and Mithun (1999).
Native American Languages in the United States
Atikamekw (Canada)
Moose Cree (Canada)
Northern East Cree (Canada)
Plains Cree (Canada)
Southern East Cree (Canada)
Swampy Cree (Canada)
Woods Cree (Canada)
Montagnais (Canada)
Naskapi (Canada)
Ojibwa (8)
Algonquin (Canada)
Chippewa (United States)
Central Ojibwa (Canada)
Eastern Ojibwa(Canada)
Northwestern Ojibwa (Canada)
Severn Ojibwa (Canada)
Western Ojibwa (Canada)
Ottawa (Canada)
Kickapoo (United States)
Menominee (United States)
Meskwaki (United States)
Miami (United States) (aka Illinois and Illinois-Miami) (Officially extinct but a revitalization program is in progress since an extensive dictionary exists)
Potawatomi (United States)
Shawnee (United States)
Delaware
Munsee
Unami (also known as Lenape) †
Northern Unami
Southern Unami
Unalachtigo
Eastern Abnaki,(United States)(also known as Abenaki or Abenaki-Penobscot)
Penobscot (also known as Old Town or Old Town Penobscot)
Caniba
Aroosagunticook
Pigwacket
Etchemin (uncertain) †
Loup A (probably Nipmuck) (uncertain) †
Loup B (Uncertain) †
Western Abnaki (Canada) (also known as Abnaki, St. Francis, Abenaki, or Abenaki-Penobscot)
Malecite-Passamaquoddy (Canada) (also known as Maliseet-Passamquoddy)
Maliseet (also known as Malecite)
Passamaquoddy
Massachusett (United States) †
North Shore (United States)
Natick (United States)
Wampanoag (United States)
Nauset (United States)
Cowesit (United States)
Micmac (Canada and United States) (also known as Mic Mac, Mi’kmaq, Mi’gmaq, or Mi’kmaw)
Mohegan-Montauk-Narragansett (United States) (aka Mohegan-Pequot-Montauk)
Mohegan †
Montauk
Narragansett †
Niantic
Pequot †
Shinnecock (uncertain) †
Munsee (Canada)
Nanticoke (United States)
Nanticoke †
Piscataway (also known as Conoy)
Choptank
Powhatan (United States) (also known as Virginia Algonquian) †
Quiripi-Naugatuck-Unquachog
Quiripi (also known as Quinnipiak or Connecticut) †
Naugatuck †
Unquachog †
Arapaho (3)
Arapaho (United States)
Gros Ventre (United States)
Nawathinehena (United States)
Blackfoot (Canada) and Blackfeet (United States)
Cheyenne (United States)
Mahican (also known as Mohican) (Extinct)
Moravian
Stockbridge
Piscataway (United States)
Unclassified (1)
Lumbee (United States)
Wiyot(1)
Wiyot (United States) †
Yurok(1)
Yurok (United States)
Alsean (2) †
Atakapa †
Beothuk †
Caddoan (Macro-Siouan?)(5)
Northern Caddoan (4)
Pawnee-Kitsai (3)
Kitsai (1) (a.k.a. Kichai)
Kitsai (USA)
Pawnee (2)
Arikara (USA) (a.k.a. Ree)
Pawnee (USA) (dialects: South Bend, Skiri (a.k.a. Skidi or Wolf Band))
Wichita (1)
Wichita (USA) (dialects: Wichita proper, Waco, Towakoni)
Southern Caddoan (1)
Caddo (USA) (dialects: Kadohadacho, Hasinai, Natchitoches, Yatasi)
Cayuse †
Chimakuan (2)
Chimakum (USA)
Quileute (USA)
Chimariko †
Chinookan (3)
Kathlamet (a.k.a. Katlamat, Cathlamet)
Lower Chinook (a.k.a. Coastal Chinook)
Clatsop (USA)
Shoalwater (a.k.a. Chinook proper) (USA)
Upper Chinook (a.k.a. Kiksht, Columbia Chinook)
Cascades (USA)
Clackamas (USA)
Hood River (USA)
Multnomah (USA)
Wasco-Wishram (2)
Wasco (USA)
Wishram (USA)
White Salmon (USA)
Chitimacha †
Chumashan (7)
Barbareño (USA)
Chumash (USA) †
Cruzeño (USA)
Ineseño (USA)
Obispeño (USA)
Purisimeño (USA)
Ventureño (USA)
Coahuilteco †
Comecrudan (United States & Mexico) (3) †
Comecrudo (a.k.a. Mulato or Carrizo)
Garza
Mamulique (a.k.a. Carrizo de Mamulique)
Coosan (2) † (This language has been moved to Penutian.)
Hanis
Miluk (also known as Lower Coquille)
Creole Language Family
Cotoname †
Eskimo–Aleut (7) (also called Eskaleut)
Aleut
Western-Central
Atkan
Attuan
Unangan
Bering
Eastern
Unalaskan
Pribilof
Eskimo(Yupik-Inuit languages)
Yupik (or Yup’ik)
Central Alaskan Yup’ik
Yugtun Alutiiq (Pacific Gulf Yup’ik)
Central Siberian Yupik (Yuit or Chaplinon and St. Lawrence Island)
Naukan
Qawiaraq(Seward Peninsula)
Chaplinski Sirenik † (viewed as an independent branch by some)
Inuit
Inupiaq or Inupiat (northern Alaska)
Inuvialuktun (western Canada)
Kangiryuarmiutun (Ulukhaktok sometimes listed as Inuinnaqtun)
Siglitun (Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk)
Uummarmiutun (Aklavik, Inuvik from Inupiaq)
Inuktitut (eastern Canada)
Nunatsiavummiutut (Nunatsiavut)
Inuttitut (Nunavik)
Kalaallisut (Greenland)
Inuktun (Avanersuarmiutut)East Greenlandic (Tunumiit oraasiat)
Hokan (23)
Esselen-Yuman (10)
Esselen † (1)
Esselen (United States)
Yuman (9)
Cochimi (1)
Cochimi (Mexico)
Delta-Californian (2)
Cocopa (Mexico)
Kumiai (Mexico)
Kiliwa (1)
Kiliwa (Mexico)
Pai (1)
Paipai (Mexico)
River Yuman (3)
Maricopa (United States)
Mohave (United States)
Quechan (United States)
Upland Yuman (1)
Havasupai-Walapai-Yavapai (United States)
Northern (12)
Karok-Shasta (4)
Shasta-Palaihnihan (3)
Palaihnihan (2)
Shastan (1)
Karok
Pomo (7)
Russian River and Eastern (6)
Eastern (1)
Russian River (5)
Southeastern (1)
Southeastern Pomo (United States)
Chimariko (United States)
Washo (1)
Washo (United States)
Iroquoian (11)
Northern Iroquoian
Lakes Iroquoian
Five Nations and Susquehannock
Seneca-Onondaga
Seneca-Cayuga
Seneca
Cayuga
Onodaga
Mohawk-Oneida
Oneida
Mohawk
Susquehannock †
Huronian
Wyandot (Huron-Petun)†
Neutral †
Erie †
Tuscarora-Nottoway
Tuscarora (seriously endangered)
Nottoway †
Southern Iroquoian
Cherokee
Kalapuyan (3) †
Karankawa †
Karuk
Keresan (2)
Eastern Keres
Western Keres
Kutenai
Maiduan (4)
Muskogean (9)
Western Muskogean
Chickasaw
Choctaw
Central Muskogean
Alabama (alternate name: Alibamu
Apalachee †
Hitchiti-Mikisaki
Koasati (alternate name: Coushatta)
Eastern Muskogean
Creek (alternate names: Muskogee, Maskoke, Seminole)
Na-Dene (47)
Haida (2)
Northern Haida (Canada)
Sothern Haida (Canada)
Nuclear Na-Dene (45)
Athapaskan-Eyak (44)
Athapaskan (43)
Apachean (6)
Kiowa Apache (1)
Apache, Kiowa [apk] (United States)
Navajo-Apache (5)
Eastern Apache (3)
Apache, Jicarilla (United States)
Apache, Lipan (United States)
Apache, Mescalero-Chiricahua (United States)
Western Apache-Navajo (2)
Apache, Western (United States)
Navajo (United States)
Canadian (13)
Beaver-Sekani (2)
Beaver(Canada)
Sekani (Canada)
Carrier-Chilcotin (4)
Babine-Carrier (3)
Babine (Canada)
Carrier
Southern Carrier(Canada)
Chilcotin (1)
Han-Kutchin (2)
Gwich’in(Canada)
Han (USA)
Hare-Chipewyan (4)
Sarcee (1)
Ingalik-Koyukon (3)
Ingalik (1)
Koyukon-Holikachuk (2)
Pacific Coast (9)
California (4)
Oregon (5)
Tahltan-Kaska (3)
Kaska (Canada)
Tahltan(Canada)
Tagish(Canada)
Tanaina-Ahtna (2)
Ahtena (USA)
Tanaina(USA)
Tanana-Upper Kuskokwim (4)
Tanana (3)
Upper Kuskokwim (1)
Tutchone (2)
Southern Tutchone(Canada)
Northern Tutchone(Canada)
Tstsaut(Canada)
Eyak (1)
Eyak(USA)
Tlingit (1)
Tlingit (USA)
Natchez †
Palaihnihan (2)
Plateau Penutian (4) (also known as Shahapwailutan)
Pomoan (7)
Salinan †
Salishan (23)
Shastan (4) †
Siouan–Catawban (19)
Siuslaw †
Solano †
Takelma †
Tanoan (7)
Timucua †
Tonkawa †
Tsimshianic (2)
Tunica †
Utian (15) (also known as Miwok–Costanoan)
Uto-Aztecan (33)
Wakashan (7)
Wappo †
Washo
Wintuan (4)
Yana †
Yokutsan (3)
Yuchi
Yuki †
Yuman (11)
Zuni
† = Extinct languages
=====================================
The classification below is a composite of Goddard (1996), Campbell (1997), and Mithun (1999).
Native American Languages in the United States
Adai †
Algic
Carolina Algonquian (United States) (also known as Pamlico, Pamtico, Pampticough, Christianna Algonquian) †
Central Algonquian(23)
Atikamekw (Canada)
Moose Cree (Canada)
Northern East Cree (Canada)
Plains Cree (Canada)
Southern East Cree (Canada)
Swampy Cree (Canada)
Woods Cree (Canada)
Montagnais (Canada)
Naskapi (Canada)
Ojibwa (8)
Algonquin (Canada)
Chippewa (United States)
Central Ojibwa (Canada)
Eastern Ojibwa(Canada)
Northwestern Ojibwa (Canada)
Severn Ojibwa (Canada)
Western Ojibwa (Canada)
Ottawa (Canada)
Kickapoo (United States)
Menominee (United States)
Meskwaki (United States)
Miami (United States) (aka Illinois and Illinois-Miami) (Officially extinct but a revitalization program is in progress since an extensive dictionary exists)
Potawatomi (United States)
Shawnee (United States)
Delaware
Munsee
Unami (also known as Lenape) †
Northern Unami
Southern Unami
Unalachtigo
Eastern Abnaki,(United States)(also known as Abenaki or Abenaki-Penobscot)
Penobscot (also known as Old Town or Old Town Penobscot)
Caniba
Aroosagunticook
Pigwacket
Etchemin (uncertain) †
Loup A (probably Nipmuck) (uncertain) †
Loup B (Uncertain) †
Western Abnaki (Canada) (also known as Abnaki, St. Francis, Abenaki, or Abenaki-Penobscot)
Malecite-Passamaquoddy (Canada) (also known as Maliseet-Passamquoddy)
Maliseet (also known as Malecite)
Passamaquoddy
Massachusett (United States) †
North Shore (United States)
Natick (United States)
Wampanoag (United States)
Nauset (United States)
Cowesit (United States)
Micmac (Canada and United States) (also known as Mic Mac, Mi’kmaq, Mi’gmaq, or Mi’kmaw)
Mohegan-Montauk-Narragansett (United States) (aka Mohegan-Pequot-Montauk)
Mohegan †
Montauk
Narragansett †
Niantic
Pequot †
Shinnecock (uncertain) †
Munsee (Canada)
Nanticoke (United States)
Nanticoke †
Piscataway (also known as Conoy)
Choptank
Powhatan (United States) (also known as Virginia Algonquian) †
Quiripi-Naugatuck-Unquachog
Quiripi (also known as Quinnipiak or Connecticut) †
Naugatuck †
Unquachog †
Arapaho (3)
Arapaho (United States)
Gros Ventre (United States)
Nawathinehena (United States)
Blackfoot (Canada) and Blackfeet (United States)
Cheyenne (United States)
Mahican (also known as Mohican) (Extinct)
Moravian
Stockbridge
Piscataway (United States)
Unclassified (1)
Lumbee (United States)
Wiyot(1)
Wiyot (United States) †
Yurok(1)
Yurok (United States)
Alsean (2) †
Atakapa †
Beothuk †
Caddoan (Macro-Siouan?)(5)
Northern Caddoan (4)
Pawnee-Kitsai (3)
Kitsai (1) (a.k.a. Kichai)
Kitsai (USA)
Pawnee (2)
Arikara (USA) (a.k.a. Ree)
Pawnee (USA) (dialects: South Bend, Skiri (a.k.a. Skidi or Wolf Band))
Wichita (1)
Wichita (USA) (dialects: Wichita proper, Waco, Towakoni)
Southern Caddoan (1)
Caddo (USA) (dialects: Kadohadacho, Hasinai, Natchitoches, Yatasi)
Cayuse †
Chimakuan (2)
Chimakum (USA)
Quileute (USA)
Chimariko †
Chinookan (3)
Kathlamet (a.k.a. Katlamat, Cathlamet)
Lower Chinook (a.k.a. Coastal Chinook)
Clatsop (USA)
Shoalwater (a.k.a. Chinook proper) (USA)
Upper Chinook (a.k.a. Kiksht, Columbia Chinook)
Cascades (USA)
Clackamas (USA)
Hood River (USA)
Multnomah (USA)
Wasco-Wishram (2)
Wasco (USA)
Wishram (USA)
White Salmon (USA)
Chitimacha †
Chumashan (7)
Barbareño (USA)
Chumash (USA) †
Cruzeño (USA)
Ineseño (USA)
Obispeño (USA)
Purisimeño (USA)
Ventureño (USA)
Coahuilteco †
Comecrudan (United States & Mexico) (3) †
Comecrudo (a.k.a. Mulato or Carrizo)
Garza
Mamulique (a.k.a. Carrizo de Mamulique)
Coosan (2) † (This language has been moved to Penutian.)
Hanis
Miluk (also known as Lower Coquille)
Creole Language Family
Cotoname †
Eskimo–Aleut (7) (also called Eskaleut)
Aleut
Western-Central
Atkan
Attuan
Unangan
Bering
Eastern
Unalaskan
Pribilof
Eskimo(Yupik-Inuit languages)
Yupik (or Yup’ik)
Central Alaskan Yup’ik
Yugtun Alutiiq (Pacific Gulf Yup’ik)
Central Siberian Yupik (Yuit or Chaplinon and St. Lawrence Island)
Naukan
Qawiaraq(Seward Peninsula)
Chaplinski Sirenik † (viewed as an independent branch by some)
Inuit
Inupiaq or Inupiat (northern Alaska)
Inuvialuktun (western Canada)
Kangiryuarmiutun (Ulukhaktok sometimes listed as Inuinnaqtun)
Siglitun (Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk)
Uummarmiutun (Aklavik, Inuvik from Inupiaq)
Inuktitut (eastern Canada)
Nunatsiavummiutut (Nunatsiavut)
Inuttitut (Nunavik)
Kalaallisut (Greenland)
Inuktun (Avanersuarmiutut)East Greenlandic (Tunumiit oraasiat)
Hokan (23)
Esselen-Yuman (10)
Esselen † (1)
Esselen (United States)
Yuman (9)
Cochimi (1)
Cochimi (Mexico)
Delta-Californian (2)
Cocopa (Mexico)
Kumiai (Mexico)
Kiliwa (1)
Kiliwa (Mexico)
Pai (1)
Paipai (Mexico)
River Yuman (3)
Maricopa (United States)
Mohave (United States)
Quechan (United States)
Upland Yuman (1)
Havasupai-Walapai-Yavapai (United States)
Northern (12)
Karok-Shasta (4)
Shasta-Palaihnihan (3)
Palaihnihan (2)
Shastan (1)
Karok
Pomo (7)
Russian River and Eastern (6)
Eastern (1)
Russian River (5)
Southeastern (1)
Southeastern Pomo (United States)
Chimariko (United States)
Washo (1)
Washo (United States)
Iroquoian (11)
Northern Iroquoian
Lakes Iroquoian
Five Nations and Susquehannock
Seneca-Onondaga
Seneca-Cayuga
Seneca
Cayuga
Onodaga
Mohawk-Oneida
Oneida
Mohawk
Susquehannock †
Huronian
Wyandot (Huron-Petun)†
Neutral †
Erie †
Tuscarora-Nottoway
Tuscarora (seriously endangered)
Nottoway †
Southern Iroquoian
Cherokee
Kalapuyan (3) †
Karankawa †
Karuk
Keresan (2)
Eastern Keres
Western Keres
Kutenai
Maiduan (4)
Muskogean (9)
Western Muskogean
Chickasaw
Choctaw
Central Muskogean
Alabama (alternate name: Alibamu
Apalachee †
Hitchiti-Mikisaki
Koasati (alternate name: Coushatta)
Eastern Muskogean
Creek (alternate names: Muskogee, Maskoke, Seminole)
Na-Dene (47)
Haida (2)
Northern Haida (Canada)
Sothern Haida (Canada)
Nuclear Na-Dene (45)
Athapaskan-Eyak (44)
Athapaskan (43)
Apachean (6)
Kiowa Apache (1)
Apache, Kiowa [apk] (United States)
Navajo-Apache (5)
Eastern Apache (3)
Apache, Jicarilla (United States)
Apache, Lipan (United States)
Apache, Mescalero-Chiricahua (United States)
Western Apache-Navajo (2)
Apache, Western (United States)
Navajo (United States)
Canadian (13)
Beaver-Sekani (2)
Beaver(Canada)
Sekani (Canada)
Carrier-Chilcotin (4)
Babine-Carrier (3)
Babine (Canada)
Carrier
Southern Carrier(Canada)
Chilcotin (1)
Han-Kutchin (2)
Gwich’in(Canada)
Han (USA)
Hare-Chipewyan (4)
Sarcee (1)
Ingalik-Koyukon (3)
Ingalik (1)
Koyukon-Holikachuk (2)
Pacific Coast (9)
California (4)
Oregon (5)
Tahltan-Kaska (3)
Kaska (Canada)
Tahltan(Canada)
Tagish(Canada)
Tanaina-Ahtna (2)
Ahtena (USA)
Tanaina(USA)
Tanana-Upper Kuskokwim (4)
Tanana (3)
Upper Kuskokwim (1)
Tutchone (2)
Southern Tutchone(Canada)
Northern Tutchone(Canada)
Tstsaut(Canada)
Eyak (1)
Eyak(USA)
Tlingit (1)
Tlingit (USA)
Natchez †
Palaihnihan (2)
Plateau Penutian (4) (also known as Shahapwailutan)
Pomoan (7)
Salinan †
Salishan (23)
Shastan (4) †
Siouan–Catawban (19)
Siuslaw †
Solano †
Takelma †
Tanoan (7)
Timucua †
Tonkawa †
Tsimshianic (2)
Tunica †
Utian (15) (also known as Miwok–Costanoan)
Uto-Aztecan (33)
Wakashan (7)
Wappo †
Washo
Wintuan (4)
Yana †
Yokutsan (3)
Yuchi
Yuki †
Yuman (11)
Zuni
† = Extinct languages
Unclassified Languages:
Campbell et al. (2007) list the following extinct and nearly unattested language varieties of North America as unclassifiable due to lack of data.
Eyeish
Coree
Sewee
Cusabo
Shoccoree-Eno (see Eno people)
Pascagoula
Quinipissa
Opelousa
Pedee
Bayogoula
Okelousa
Congaree
Winyaw (see Winyaw)
Santee (see Santee tribe. distinguish Santee Sioux)
Okchai-Chacato (see Okchai, Chatot people)
Tequesta
Guale
Sanan
Yamasee
Akokisa
Avoyel
Tocobaga (see Tocobaga)
Houma
Neusiok (see Neusiok people)
Ubate
Cape Fear
Pensacola (see Pensacola people)
Bidai
Wateree (see Wateree people)
Mobile
Michigamea
Pakana
Saxapahaw
Keyauwee
Guachichil *
Suma-Jumano * (see Suma & Jumanos)
Huite *
Concho *
Jova *
Acaxee * (see Acaxee)
Xixime (Jijime) *
Zacatec * (see Zacatecos; perhaps the same as Acaxee)
Tahue *
Guasave *
Toboso * (see Tobosos)
* Ethnographic evidences suggests these varieties might have been Uto-Aztecan
† = Extinct languages.
Subcategories
- Algic Language Family
- Caddoan Language
- California Dialects
- Chimakuan Language
- Chinookan Language
- Chumashan Language
- Comecrudan Language
- Coosan Language Family
- Creole Language Family
- Eskimo-Aleut Language
- Hokan language family
- Iroquoian Language
- Keres Language Isolate
- Muskogean Language
- Na-Dene Language
- Native Trade Languages
- Penutian language family
- Siouan-Catawban
- Salishan Languages
- Tanoan–Kiowa
- Uto-Aztecan Language
- Yuki–Wappo Languages
Article Index:
Of the Native American languages of the U.S., 90% are not being passed on to a new generation. There were 312 American Indian languages in use when Europeans first arrived in North America; of these, 123 (40%) are known to have lost all native speakers. Of those that remain, all except two are endangered. Only 20 of these (13%) are being learned by children, and by fewer children each year.
Most of these languages will cease to be spoken in your lifetime, if language revitalization programs are not successful.
The first two steps down the endangerment scale are levels 6b (Threatened) and 7 (Shifting). These two levels have in common that intergenerational transmission is in the process of being broken, but the child-bearing generation can still use the language. These languages are referred to as “In Trouble” languages.
Since parents can still use the language, it is not too late to restore natural intergenerational transmission in the home. It is possible that revitalization efforts could revive use of these languages.
The next endangered language category includes levels 8a through 9 which are classed as “Dying” languages. In these languages, the child-bearing generation is no longer able to transmit the language to the next generation, since the only fluent users (if any remain) are above that age. Revitalization efforts would need to develop mechanisms outside the home in order to transmit the language to a new generation of speakers.
Finally, there are the “Extinct” languages at level 10. These languages have fallen completely out of (even symbolic) use, since there are no fluent speakers left, and no one retains a sense of ethnic identity associated with the language.
The disappearance of an individual language constitutes a monumental loss of scientific information and cultural knowledge, comparable in gravity to the loss of a species. Specific knowledge is often held by the smaller speech communities of the world—knowledge of medicinal plants and cures, identification of plants and animals yet unknown scientifically, new crops, etc. When the language is not learned by the next generation, the knowledge of the natural and cultural world encoded in the language typically fails to be transmitted.
Language is the most efficient means of transmitting a culture, and it is the owners of that culture that lose the most when a language dies. Every culture has adapted to unique circumstances, and the language expresses those circumstances. While a community may not lose its sense of identity when it loses its language, identity is closely associated with language.
All peoples identify their culture as closely with their languages as with their religion. What we talk about, think, and believe is closely bound up with the words we have, so the history of a culture can be mapped in its language.
Today, 178 indigenous languages in the United States are considered to be “Endangered.” They are:
- Achumawi (aka Achumawi, Achomawi, Pitt River)
- Acoma-Laguna (aka Western Keres Pueblo, Western Keresan, Acoma)
- Ahtna (aka Ahtena, Nabesna, Tanana)
- Alabama (aka Alibamu,)
- Aleut (aka Unangany, Unangan, Unanghan)
- Arapaho (aka Arrapahoe, Northern Arapaho, Arapaho-Atsina)
- Arikara (aka Ree, Ricara, Arikari)
- Assiniboine (aka Assiniboin, Stoney, Hohe)
- Atsugewi (aka Atsugewi, Hat Creek,)
- Balkan Romani (aka Balkan Romani, Romany, Gypsy)
- Blackfoot (aka Pikanii, Blackfeet, Siksika)
- Caddo (aka Kadohadacho, Petit Caddo, Upper Nasoni)
- Cahuilla
- Carpathian Romani (aka Romani, Carpathian, Romany, Cigány)
- Catawba (aka Catawaba,)
- Cayuga
- Central Alaskan Yup’ik (aka Central Alaskan Yupik, Yupik, Yup’ik (Central))
- Central Pomo (aka Oat Valley, Pomo, Central, Ballo-Kai-Pomo)
- Central Siberian Yupik (aka St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Yupik, Central Siberian, St. …)
- Cherokee (aka Iroquois, Tsalagi, Tslagi)
- Cheyenne
- Chickasaw (aka Chicasa,)
- Chimariko (aka Chimariko, Chimalekwe, Chimalakwe)
- Chinook Wawa (Chinook Jargon) (aka Chinook Jargon, Chinook Pidgin,)
- Chitimacha
- Chiwere (aka Oto, Iowa-Oto,)
- Choctaw
- Coast Miwok (aka Costal Miwok, Miwok (Bodega), Miwok (Coast))
- Cocopa (aka Cocopá, Cocopah, Cucupá)
- Coeur d’Alene (aka Snchitsu’umshtsn, snčícuʔumšcn, Skitswish)
- Columbian (aka Columbia-Wenatchi, Wenatchi-Columbia, Moses-Columbia)
- Comanche
- Crow (aka Apsaalooke, Apsaroka, Apsaloka)
- Cupeño (aka Agua Caliente,)
- Dena’ina (aka K’naia-khotana, Tanaina, Kinayskiy)
- Eastern Pomo (aka Clear Lake, Pomo, Eastern, Clear Lake Pomo)
- Eastern Yiddish (aka Central Yiddish, Judeo-German,)
- Eel River Athabaskan (aka Saiaz, Eel River Athapaskan)
- Eyak
- Flathead (aka Kalispel, Kalispel-Pend d’Oreille, Kalispel-Pend D’oreille)
- Gros Ventre (aka Atsina, Gros Ventres, White Clay People)
- Gwich’in (aka Loucheux, Kutchin, Kuchin)
- Halq’eméylem (Halkomelem) (aka Halkomelem, Hul’q’umi’num’, Halq’eméylem)
- Han (aka Han-Kutchin, Moosehide, Dawson)
- Hanis (aka Coos, Coos (Hanis), Anasitch)
- Hawai’i Sign Language (aka Hawaii Sign Language, Hawai’i Pidgin Sign Language, Pidgin …)
- Hawaiian (aka ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i Makuahine,)
- Hidatsa (aka Gros Ventre, Minitari, Duan)
- Holikachuk (aka Upper Innoko, Innoko,)
- Hopi (aka Tusayan, Moki, Moqui)
- Hupa (aka Hoopa-Chilula, Hupa-Chilula-Whilkut, Hoopa)
- Ingalik (aka Kaiyuh-khotana, Deg Hit’an, Deg Xinag)
- Inupiaq (aka Inuit, Inuvialuktun)
- Jemez (aka Towa,)
- Jicarilla Apache (aka Jicarilla, Hikariya, Apache (Jicarilla))
- Kansa (aka Kansa, Kansas, Kaw)
- Karuk (aka Karok, Karuk, Quoratem)
- Kashaya (aka Southwestern Pomo, Southwest Pomo, Kashayn)
- Kawaiisu
- Kickapoo (aka Kikapoo, Kikapú,)
- Kiowa (aka Kiowan,)
- Kiowa Apache (aka Oklahoma Apache, Plains Apache, Kiowa-Apache)
- Klallam (aka Clallam, S’klallam, Na’klallam)
- Klamath-Modoc (aka Lutuami, Modoc, Klamath)
- Koasati (aka Coushatta, Koasáti,)
- Kodiak Russian Creole
- Konkow (aka Maidu, Maidu, Northwest, Meidoo)
- Koyukon (aka Kuyukon, Koyukukhotana, Ten’a)
- Ktunaxa (Kootenai) (aka Kutenai, Kootenai, Kootenay)
- Kumeyaay (aka Campo, Comeya, Cuchimí, Kamia, Kamiai, Kamiyahi, Kamiyai, Ki-Miai, …)
- Ladin (aka Ladino, Dolomite, Rhaeto-Romance)
- Ladino (aka Judeo-Spanish, Sephardic, Hakitia)
- Lake Miwok (aka Miwok (Lake), Miwok, Lake,)
- Lakota (aka Lakhota, Lakȟótiyapi, Teton)
- Lipan (aka Apache, Lipan, Eastern Apache,)
- Louisiana Creole French
- Lower Chehalis (aka Chehalis, Lower, ɬəwʼálʼməš,)
- Lower Chinook (aka Chinook, Chinookan, Coastal Chinook)
- Lower Tanana (aka Tanana, Nabesna, Tanana (Lower))
- Lower Umpqua (aka Umpqua, Ku-itc,)
- Luiseño (aka Luiseño-Juaneño,)
- Lushootseed
- Maidu (aka Northeastern Maidu, Mountain Maidu, Northeast Maidu)
- Makah (aka Kwe-Nee-Chee-Aht, Kweedishchaaht, Macaw)
- Maliseet-Passamaquoddy (aka Passamaquoddy-Maliseet, Malecite-Passamaquoddy, Pennacook)
- Mandan
- Maricopa (aka Piipaash, Pee Posh, Cocomaricopa)
- Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language (aka MVSL,)
- Menominee (aka Menomini,)
- Mescalero-Chiricahua (aka Chiricahua, Mescalero, Chiricahua-Mescalero)
- Mexican Sign Language (aka Lenguaje de Signos Mexicano, Lenguaje Manual Mexicana, Lenguaje …)
- Mi’kmaq (aka Micmac, Mi’gmaq, Mi’gmaw)
- Miami-Illinois (aka Myaamia, Miami, Miami-Illinois)
- Michif (aka Plains Cree-French Mixed Language, French Cree, Mitchif)
- Mikasuki (aka Hitchiti, Mikasuki Seminole, Miccosukee)
- Mohawk (aka Kanien’kehaka,)
- Mojave (aka Mohave, Amaquaqua, Jamajab)
- Mono (California) (aka Monachi, Saidyuka, Mono (in United States))
- Munsee (aka Delaware, Ontario Delaware, Munsee Delaware)
- Muskogee (aka Creek, Northern Muskogean, Creek-Seminole)
- Navajo (aka Navaho, Diné,)
- Nez Perce (aka Shahaptan, Chopunnish, Nimipu)
- Nisenan (aka South Maidu, Neeshenam, Pujuni)
- Northern Paiute (aka Paiute, Northern, Paviotso, Paiute (Northern))
- Northern Pomo (aka Redwood Cañon, North Pomo, Pomo (Northern))
- Northern Straits Salish (aka Malchosen, Lekwungen, Semiahmoo)
- Okanagan-Colville (aka Nsyilxcən, Okanagan, Colville-Okanagan)
- Omaha-Ponca (aka Uman, Omaha, Mahairi)
- Oneida
- Onondaga (aka Onandaga, Onondoga,)
- Osage (aka Wazhazhe,)
- Otoe (aka Oto, Jiwere, Jiwele)
- Ottawa (aka Odawa,Odaawaa, Eastern Ojibwa)
- O’odham (Pima-Papago) (aka Upper Piman, Papago, Nebome, Nevome, O’othham, Papago-Pima, Tohono …)
- Pacific Yupik (Alutiiq) (aka Pacific Gulf Yupik, Alutiiq, Sugpiak)
- Panamint (aka Panamint Shoshone, Tümpisa Shoshone,Timbisha)
- Pawnee (aka Grand Pawnee, Republican Pawnee,)
- Pennsylvania German (aka Pennsylvania Deitsh, Pennsylvanish, Pennsylvania Dutch)
- Picuris (aka Taos-Picuris,)
- Piemontese (aka Italian (Turinese), Piedmontese,)
- Pingelapese (aka Pingelap, Pingilapese,)
- Plains Indian Sign Language (aka Plains Sign Language,)
- Plains Miwok (aka Miwok (Plains), Miwok, Plains, Valley Miwok)
- Plautdietsch (aka Geldersch, Low German, Mennonite German)
- Potawatomi (aka Pottawotomi, Bodéwadmi, Bodewadmi)
- Quapaw (aka Arkansas, Arkans, Alkansea)
- Quechan (aka Yuma, Kechan, Quecl)
- Quileute (aka Quillayute, Quile-ute,)
- Rio Grande Keresan (aka Rio Grande Keresan, Eastern Keresan, Eastern Keres Pueblo)
- Sahaptin
- San Francisco Bay Costanoan (aka Čočenyo, Northern Costanoan, Northern Ohlone)
- Sauk-Fox (aka Fox, Mesquakie, Meskwakie)
- Scottish Gaelic (aka Gaelic, Scottish, Gaelic (Scots), Scottish Gaelic)
- Seneca (aka Tsonnontouan, Taroko,)
- Serrano (aka Serran, Kitanemuk,)
- Shawnee
- Shoshone (aka Shoshoni, Shoshoni-Goshiute, Shonshoni)
- Sierra Miwok (aka Central Sierra Miwok: Tuolumne, Central Sierra Miwok Northern …)
- Sioux (aka Dakota, Santee,)
- Skagit (aka Swinomish, Skaǰət,)
- Sm̓algya̱x (aka Sm’algyax, Tsimshian, Coast Tsimshian)
- Southeastern Pomo (aka Pomo, Southeastern, Lower Lake Pomo, Southeast Pomo)
- Southern Pomo (aka Russian River, Pomo, Southern, Gallinoméro)
- Southern Tiwa (Isleta-Sandia) (aka Tiwa (Southern), Isleta-Sandia,)
- Southern Tsimshian (aka Sgüüxs, Sguxs, Old Klemtu)
- Southwestern Ojibwa (aka Ojibwe (Minnesota), Ojibwa, Ojibway)
- Spokane (aka Flathead-Kalispel-Spokane, Spokan, Montana Salish-Kalispel-Spokane)
- Tanacross (aka Transitional 2,)
- Taos (aka Northern Tiwa, Tiwa, Northern, Tiwa)
- Tewa (USA)
- Tipai (aka Tiipay (Jamul), Mexican Diegueño, Kamia)
- Tlingit (Łingít) (aka Tlinkit, Thlinget, Inland Tlingit)
- Tolowa (aka Smith River, Chetco-Tolowa, Tolowa-Chetco)
- Tubatulabal (aka Tübatulabal, Kern River, Kern)
- Tunica (aka Tonika, Tunixka)
- Tuscarora (aka Skarohreh,)
- Unami (aka Oklahoma Delaware, Lenni-Lenape, Lenape)
- Upland Yuman (aka Havasupai-Walapai-Yavapai, Upper Colorado River Yuman, Northern Pai)
- Upper Kuskokwim (aka Kolchan, Kuskokwim (Upper), Kuskokwim, Upper)
- Upper Tanana (aka Nabesna, Tanana, Upper,)
- Ute (aka Ute-Southern Paiute, Pai Ute, Paviotso)
- Vlax Romani (aka Romani, Vlax, Romany, Romenes)
- Wampanoag (aka Wôpanâak, Massachusett-Narragansett, Massachusett)
- Wappo (aka Ashochimi, Napa,)
- Wasco-Wishram (aka Kiksht, Wasco, Wishram)
- Washo (aka Washoe, Washoa,)
- Western Abenaki (aka Abenaki (Western), Abnaki (Western), Abnaki, Western)
- Western Apache (aka San Carlos-Southern Tonto, San Carlos Apache, White River …)
- Wichita (aka Witchita, Wichita (proper),)
- Winnebago (aka Ho-Chunk, Hocak Wazijaci, Hocák)
- Wintu (aka Colouse, Wintun, North Wintun)
- Wiyot (aka Wishosk, Kowilth, Wiyoshk)
- Xaad Kil (Haida) (aka Haida, K’iis Xaat’aay, Northern)
- Yaqui (aka Yaki, Cahita, Yaqui-Mayo)
- Yokuts
- Yuchi (aka Euchee,)
- Yurok (aka Chillula, Mita, Pekwan)
- Zuni (aka Zuñi, Shiwi’ma,)
There are 86 native American languages that are indigenous to the state of California, more than any other state.
Hypothesized MACRO-UNITS are in bold caps and italicized, FAMILIES in bold caps only, SUBGROUPS
in small caps, individual languages in boldface, and dialects in italics:
HOKAN STOCK (Proposed)
Chimariko
Karuk
Esselen
Salinan
Washo
SHASTAN (4 languages)
Shasta
Okwanuchu
New River Shasta
Konomihu
PALAIHNIHAN (2 languages)
Achumawi
Atsugewi
POMOAN (7 languages)
Southeastern Pomo
Eastern Pomo
Northeastern Pomo
WESTERN BRANCH
Northern Pomo
SOUTHERN GROUP
Central Pomo
Southern Pomo
Kashaya Pomo
YANA (2 languages)
Northern Yana (incl. Central Yana)
Yahi (Southern Yana)
YUMAN-COCHIMÍ (14 languages)
YUMAN BRANCH
Kiliwa
Paipai (“Akwa’ala”)
CALIFORNIA-DELTA GROUP
Ipai (Northern Diegueño)
Kumeyaay
Tipai (Southern Diegueño)
Cocopa
RIVER GROUP
Quechan (Yuma)
Halchidhoma (Maricopa)
Mojave
COCHIMÍ BRANCH (Peninsular Yuman)
NORTHERN COCHIMÍ
Julgrepa
Borjeño
Ignacieño
SOUTHERN COCHIMÍ
Cadegomeño
Javiereño
PENUTIAN STOCK (Proposed)
MAIDUAN (3 languages)
Maidu
Konkow
Nisenan
PLATEAU PENUTIAN
Klamath-Modoc
UTIAN (MIWOK-COSTANOAN)
MIWOK (7 languages)
EASTERN MIWOK
SIERRA MIWOK
Northern Sierra Miwok
Central Sierra Miwok
Southern Sierra Miwok
Plains Miwok
Saclan (Bay Miwok)
WESTERN MIWOK
Coast Miwok
Lake Miwok
COSTANOAN (“Ohlone,” 5 languages)
Karkin
Northern Costanoan
Chalon (“Soledad”)
SOUTHERN COSTANOAN
Mutsun (“San Juan Bautista”)
Rumsen
WINTUAN (4 languages)
Wintu
Nomlaki
Patwin
Southern Patwi
YOKUTSAN (3 languages)
Nim Yokuts (includes Northern, Tulare
Lake, and Foothill tribal dialects)
Buenavista
Poso Creek
ATHABASKAN FAMILY
(“Na-Dene,” 4 languages)
Tolowa
Hupa (includes Whilkut & Chilula dialects)
Mattole
Eel River (Sinkyone, Nongatl, Lassik,
Wailaki, & Cahto dialects)
ALGIC FAMILY (“Algonkian,” 2 languages)
Wiyot
Yurok
CHUMASHAN FAMILY (6 languages)
NORTHERN CHUMASH
Obispeño
CENTRAL CHUMASH
Purisimeño
Ineseño
Barbareño
Ventureño
ISLAND CHUMASH
Cruzeño
UTO-AZTECAN FAMILY (14 languages)
Tubatulabal
TAKIC BRANCH
Gabrielino (“Tongva,” includes Fernandeño)
Tataviam (“Alliklik”)
SERRAN GROUP
Kitanemuk
Serrano (includes Vanyumé)
CUPAN GROUP
Cahuilla
Cupeño
Luiseño
Juaneño
NUMIC BRANCH
WESTERN NUMIC
Mono
Monache
Owen’s Valley Paiute
Northern Paiute
CENTRAL NUMIC
Panamint (“Koso,” “California Shoshone”)
SOUTHERN NUMIC
Kawaiisu
Chemehuevi (dialect of Ute)
YUKIAN FAMILY (Considered by some linguists to be part of the “Gulf” Macro-unit)
Yuki
Wappo
Sources: Mithun 1999; Goddard 1996; Golla 2000; Laylander 1997
About half of the states and many modern towns in the US got their names from American Indian words. The name of Kentucky comes from an Iroquoian word (Kentahten), which means “land of tomorrow.”
Connecticut’s name comes from the Mohican word (Quinnehtukqut), which means “beside the long tidal river.” And the word “Podunk,” meant to describe a insignificant town out in the middle of nowhere, comes from a Natick Indian word meaning “swampy place.”