Northern Kalapuya language facts for kids

Northern Kalapuyan was an extinct language once spoken by the Kalapuya people. These people lived in northwestern Oregon in the United States. An extinct language is one that no longer has any native speakers.

The Northern Kalapuyan language belonged to the Kalapuyan language family. It was spoken in the northern part of the Willamette Valley. This area is southwest of where Portland is today.

About the Northern Kalapuyan Language

The Northern Kalapuyan language was a special part of the Kalapuya people's culture. It helped them share stories, traditions, and knowledge. Learning about extinct languages helps us understand history and different cultures.

Where it was Spoken

The Kalapuya people lived in specific areas of Oregon. They spoke Northern Kalapuyan in the northern Willamette Valley. This valley is a large, fertile area in Oregon.

Different Ways of Speaking (Dialects)

People who spoke Northern Kalapuyan had slightly different ways of saying things. These different ways are called dialects. Three main dialects have been found:

• The Tualatin dialect was spoken near the Tualatin River. It was also known as Tfalati or Atfalati.
• The Yamhill dialect was spoken along the Yamhill River. It was sometimes called Yamhala.

Northern Kalapuyan was also closely related to another language. This was Central Kalapuya. Central Kalapuya was spoken by other Kalapuya groups. They lived in the central and southern parts of the Willamette Valley.

When the Language Disappeared

Sadly, the Northern Kalapuyan language is no longer spoken today. The very last person who spoke it as their native language was Louis Kenoyer. He passed away in 1937. When the last native speaker of a language dies, the language becomes extinct.