Tsimshianic languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tsimshianic |
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|---|---|
| Tsmksian | |
| Ethnicity: | Tsimshian |
| Geographic distribution: |
British Columbia, Alaska |
| Linguistic classification: | Penutian ?
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| Subdivisions: |
Maritime Tsimshian
Nass–Gitksan
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 Pre-contact distribution of Tsimshianic languages
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The Tsimshianic languages are a group of related languages. They are spoken by the Tsimshian people in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. Some speakers also live in Southeast Alaska, specifically on Annette Island and in Ketchikan.
Sadly, all Tsimshianic languages are in danger of disappearing. Some have very few speakers left, with only about 400 people speaking them. In Canada, about 2,170 Tsimshian people still speak one of these languages. In Alaska, only about 50 of the 1,300 Tsimshian people speak Coast Tsimshian. Most language experts believe Tsimshianic is its own unique language family. It includes four main languages: Coast Tsimshian, Southern Tsimshian, Nisg̱a’a, and Gitksan.
A long time ago, a linguist named Edward Sapir thought Tsimshianic languages might be connected to a larger group called Penutian. This idea is not widely accepted today. However, some researchers, like Marie-Lucie Tarpent, still think there might be a connection. Other experts believe Tsimshianic languages are not closely related to any other language in North America.
Contents
What are the Tsimshianic Languages?
The Tsimshianic language family has four main languages or dialects:
- Tsimshian (also called Maritime Tsimshianic)
- Coast Tsimshian (known as Sm’algyax̣)
- Southern Tsimshian (also called Sgüüx̣s)
- Nass–Gitksan (also called Interior Tsimshianic)
Where are these languages spoken?
Coast Tsimshian is spoken along the lower Skeena River in northwestern British Columbia. It is also spoken on nearby islands and in New Metlakatla, Alaska.
Southern Tsimshian was once spoken in the village of Klemtu, which is an island south of the Skeena River. Sadly, this language became extinct in 2013 when its last speaker passed away.
Nisga’a is spoken along the Nass River. Gitksan is spoken along the Upper Skeena River, especially around Hazelton.
Nisga’a and Gitksan are very similar. Many language experts consider them to be different dialects of the same language. However, the people who speak Nisga’a and Gitksan see themselves as different groups from each other and from the Tsimshian people. Because of this, they consider Nisga’a and Gitksan to be separate languages. Coast Tsimshian and Southern Tsimshian are also often seen as dialects of one language.
Good news for these languages: As of 2013, you can take Tsimshian language courses at the University of Alaska Southeast. This helps keep the language alive!
See also
In Spanish: Lenguas tsimshiánicas para niños
