Gwich’in

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A language of Canada

Location

Northwest Territories: Aklavik, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic, Fort McPherson; Yukon Territory: Old Crow.

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United States

Language NameGwich’in

User Population

300 in United States (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 1,000 (Krauss 2007).

Location

Alaska: Arctic village, Birch Creek, Chalkyitsik, Circle, Fort Yukon, and Venetie; on Yukon river and tributaries.

Alternate Names

Dinju Zhuh K’yuu, Kutchin

Dialects

Arctic Red River, Arctic Village Gwich’in, Fort Yukon Gwich’in, Western Canada Gwich’in (Loucheux, Takudh, Tukudh).

Language Status

7 (Shifting). Recognized language (2014, Official Languages of Alaska Law as amended, Alaska Statute 44.12.310). Language of registered tribe: Beaver Village, Birch Creek Tribe, Chalkyitsik Village, Circle Native Community, Native Village of Fort Yukon, Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government (Arctic Village and Village of Venetie).

Language Use

Greater use in isolated communities. Most children only speak English [eng]. Adults only. Most shifting to English [eng].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Gwich’in

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A language of Canada

Also spoken in:

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