Nisga'a language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nisga’a |
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| Nisg̱a’a, nisqáʔamq | ||||
| Native to | Canada | |||
| Region | Northwest British Columbia (Nisg̱a’a Nation) | |||
| Ethnicity | 5,495 Nisga'a | |||
| Native speakers | 470 (2016 census)e18 1,500 L2 speakers |
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| Language family |
Tsimshianic
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| Writing system | Nisg̱a’a Script (NAPA) | |||
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Nisga’a (also called Nass or Nishga) is a special language spoken by the Nisga'a people. They live in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It's part of a language family called Tsimshianic. However, the Nisga'a people prefer not to use the name "Tsimshianic." They feel it gives too much importance to another language, Coast Tsimshian.
Nisga’a is very similar to another language called Gitxsan. Some language experts even think they are two dialects of the same language. But because the Nisga'a and Gitxsan groups are separate, their languages are usually treated as distinct.
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The Nisga’a Language: Past and Present
Like many other languages of Canada's First Nations, Nisga’a is an endangered language. This means fewer and fewer people are speaking it fluently. In 2018, a report showed that only 311 people spoke Nisga'a fluently. Luckily, 294 people were actively learning the language. This is important for a total population of 6,113 Nisga'a people.
Early Efforts to Write Nisga’a
An Anglican missionary named James Benjamin McCullagh did a lot of early work on the Nisga’a language. He translated parts of the Bible and a prayer book into Nisga’a. These were published in 1890. He also created a Nisga’a primer, which is a basic textbook for students. It was published in 1897.
Later, in 1973, a useful book called 'A Short Practical Dictionary of the Gitksan Language' was created. It was put together by Bruce Rigsby and Lonnie Hindle. In this dictionary, Rigsby made a simple alphabet for Nisga'a. This alphabet is still used widely today.
Working to Keep Nisga’a Alive
Many people are working hard to keep the Nisga’a language strong and alive. This is called language revitalization.
- Nisga’a Language App: In 2012, a free Nisga’a app was released for iPhone and iPad. It later became available for Android phones too. This app is a dictionary and phrase collection. It includes audio recordings, pictures, and videos to help people learn.
- First Peoples' Cultural Council: Since 1990, the First Peoples' Heritage Language and Culture Council has supported First Peoples' languages and cultures. They have given out $20 million for different projects. These projects include efforts to revitalize the Nisga'a language.
- FirstVoices Website: In 2003, the First Voices website was created. It's an online place to store and share language information. The Nisga'a section of First Voices is open to everyone. It has alphabets, an online dictionary, a phrasebook, songs, stories, and fun games. These games include sounds, pictures, and videos. So far, 6,092 words and 6,470 phrases have been saved on the Nisga'a First Voices site.
- Wilp Wilx̱o'oskwhl Nisg̱a'a Institute (WWNI): This institute was started in 1993. It provides higher education for the Nisga'a community. It also helps promote the Nisga'a language and culture. The WWNI is like a university-college for the Nisga'a people. It's located in the Nass Valley in Gitwinksihlkw, British Columbia. It's the only place where students can earn official recognition for courses in Nisga'a Studies.
- New Carving Project: A new project called “Raising Nisga’a Language, Sovereignty, and Land-Based Education Through Traditional Carving Knowledge” (RNL) has begun. It's led by Nisga’a professor Amy Parent from the University of British Columbia. She is working with the Laxgalts’ap Village Government. This project will last several years. It aims to combine virtual reality technology with traditional Nisga'a carving knowledge. This will help teach the language in new and exciting ways.
See also
