Kumeyaay language facts for kids

Kumeyaay (also called Kumiai) is a Native American language. It is spoken by the Kumeyaay people. They live in parts of southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.

The Kumeyaay language is part of the Yuman language family. This family includes other languages spoken by Native American groups in the region. Some related languages are Ipai (spoken north of Kumeyaay) and Tipai (spoken south of Kumeyaay).

For a long time, people thought Kumeyaay, Ipai, and Tipai were just different ways of speaking one language. But now, most language experts agree they are actually three separate languages.

Who Speaks Kumeyaay?

Not many people speak Kumeyaay today. In 2007, about 40 to 50 people spoke it in the United States. In Mexico, a 2010 count found about 377 speakers. This number included some people who called their language "Cochimi."

Efforts are being made to help more people learn and speak Kumeyaay.

Learning and Recording Kumeyaay

It's important to write down and record languages so they are not forgotten.

In 1999, there were only a few written materials about the Kumeyaay language. But things have improved since then.

As of 2014, you could find lessons for learning Kumeyaay online. Also, a special dictionary is being made. This dictionary will include words from all five ways Kumeyaay is spoken in Baja California. At the Kumeyaay museum in Tecate, you can listen to recorded stories in the Kumeyaay language.

See also

In Spanish: Idioma kumiai para niños