Survey of California and Other Indian Languages facts for kids
The Survey of California and Other Native American Languages is a special group at the University of California at Berkeley. Its main job is to study, record, and keep safe the many different languages spoken by Native American people. This group also helps with events that aim to bring these languages back to life and make sure they are not forgotten.
How It Started
The Survey began as a small test project in 1953. It was started by two professors from Berkeley: Murray Emeneau and Mary Haas. On January 1, 1953, the Survey officially received money to continue its important work.
Mary Haas was very important in shaping how the Survey worked in its early days. One of her students, Brent D. Galloway, remembered how students would use a special greeting from the Natchez language. This greeting, wanhetahnú·ʼis, was a tradition that lasted for more than 20 years! Mary Haas had even written her first book about the Natchez language.
The very first language studied by the Survey was the Karuk language. This study was done by William Bright, who was a student at the time. Since the Survey began, many students have written their big research papers (called doctoral dissertations) with help from the Survey. In fact, 80 such papers have been completed.
Who Leads the Survey
Over the years, several important people have led the Survey. Besides Mary Haas, Wallace Chafe and Leanne Hinton have also been directors. The person leading the Survey right now is Andrew Garrett.
Learn More
- Classification of indigenous languages of the Americas
- Native American languages of California
- Native American groups in California
- History of Native Americans in California
- Traditional narratives (Native California)
- Population of Native California
