Tutchone language facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tutchone
Dän kʼè (Southern) Dän kʼí (Northern)
Native to	Canada
Region	Yukon
Ethnicity	2,500 (1,100 Northern Tutchone, 1,400 Southern Tutchone; 2007)
Native speakers	360  (2016 census)
Language family	Dené–Yeniseian? Na-Dené Athabaskan–Eyak Athabaskan Northern Athabaskan Tutchone
Speaker location
Southern Tutchone is classified as Critically Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger

Northern Tutchone is classified as Definitely Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger

Tutchone is a language spoken by the Northern and Southern Tutchone First Nations. These groups live in the central and southern parts of the Yukon Territory in Canada. Tutchone is part of the larger Athabaskan language family.

The Tutchone language has two main types, or varieties: Southern Tutchone and Northern Tutchone. Even though they are sometimes seen as separate languages, people who speak Northern Tutchone can usually understand Southern Tutchone speakers. They might have a little difficulty, but they can still communicate.

Southern Tutchone is spoken in several Yukon communities. These include Aishihik, Burwash Landing, Champagne, Haines Junction, Kloo Lake, Klukshu, Lake Laberge, and Whitehorse.

Northern Tutchone is spoken in other Yukon communities. These are Mayo, Pelly Crossing, Stewart Crossing, Carmacks, and Beaver Creek.

How Tutchone Sounds

Tutchone has many unique sounds. These include different kinds of consonants and vowels. The language also uses different tones (the pitch of your voice) to change the meaning of words. Some vowels can also be nasalized, meaning air comes out of your nose when you say them.

Different Ways of Speaking Tutchone

The Tutchone language has several dialects, which are like different versions of the language.

Southern Tutchone Dialects

The Southern Tutchone language (called Dän kʼè) has these dialects:

• Aishihik dialect
• Tàaʼan dialect
• Klukshu dialect
• Kluane dialect

Northern Tutchone Dialects

The Northern Tutchone language (called Dän kʼí) has these dialects:

• Big Salmon dialect
• Pelly Crossing dialect
• Mayo dialect
• White River dialect

Comparing Tutchone Words

Here are some words from Northern and Southern Tutchone. You can see how they are similar or different:

¹ This word is from the Big Salmon dialect.
² This word is from the Pelly Crossing dialect.

Efforts to Keep Tutchone Alive

Stop sign changed to include Southern Tutchone words as part of an effort to keep the language alive.

Tutchone is considered an endangered language. This means fewer people are speaking it, and more people are speaking English instead. In 2011, there were only about 210 Northern Tutchone speakers and 140 Southern Tutchone speakers. Many people are working hard to save and strengthen the language.

Learning and Recording the Language

The Yukon Native Language Center (YNLC) has been working to record and teach Southern Tutchone since the 1970s. They have collected stories, songs, and even a basic dictionary. They also offer language lessons.

Since 1984, more workshops have been held to help people learn to read and write Tutchone. For example, Margaret Workman, a native Southern Tutchone speaker, created a textbook and audio lessons. You can find these and other learning materials at the YNLC. In 1994, the Ta'an Kwach'an Council also worked on a project to record old stories, family histories, and other important information.

Tutchone in Schools

Tutchone language classes have been taught in Yukon schools since the early 1980s. Southern Tutchone classes are now part of the school day for students from kindergarten to grade 12 in schools around Kluane Lake. Three elementary schools in Whitehorse also have Southern Tutchone language programs.

The St. Elias Community School in Haines Junction offers Southern Tutchone classes for all grades, from kindergarten to 12th grade. The Yukon Native Language Center also helps schools with language learning. One program, called "Dakeyi – Our Country," helps high school students learn the language. In 2009, kindergarten students in Haines Junction started learning Southern Tutchone in a special program that teaches both the language and culture.

Community Involvement

Many groups in the Yukon are working together to keep Southern Tutchone strong. They hold camps, workshops, and other programs. For example, in 1995 and 1996, the Kluane First Nations held workshops called "Working Together to Pass it on." These workshops encouraged families and communities to use the language more often.

In 1996, the Southern Tutchone Tribal Council held its first language conference, "Kakwaddhin – Marking the Trail." At this meeting, they looked at language programs and made plans for the future. This led to successful programs, like the "Following your Grandfather trail" camp in Klukshu in 1997.

Today, there are many programs to help keep the language alive. One example is the Southern Tutchone Language Immersion program for adults. In 2018, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation started a two-year immersion program for adults who already know some of the language. This program is the first of its kind in the Yukon Territory.

Tutchone in Pop Culture

• Jerry Alfred's song "Etsi Shon" (meaning "Grandfather song") is sung in Northern Tutchone. It won a Juno Award in 1996 for the Best Aboriginal Album.
• Since 2011, the Adäka Cultural Festival has been held every year in Whitehorse. This festival celebrates First Nations arts and culture, especially from the Yukon. The word Adäka means 'coming into the light' in Southern Tutchone.

See also

In Spanish: Idioma tutchone para niños