Nuu-chah-nulth

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A language of Canada

ISO 639-3
nuk
Alternate Names
Aht, Nootka, Nootkans, Nutka, Nuučaan’ul, Quuquu’aca, T’aat’aaqsapa, West Coast
User Population

130 (FPCC 2014). 200 semi-speakers (FPCC 2014). Ethnic population: 7,680 (FPCC 2014).

Location

British Columbia province: Vancouver Island, Pacific Ocean coast.

Language Maps
Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct). Language of recognized indigenous peoples: Ahousaht, Ehattesaht, Hesquiaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, Pacheedaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Tseshaht, Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet.

Classification
Wakashan, Southern Wakashan
Dialects

Cheklesaht, Kyuquot, Ehattesaht, Nuchatlaht, Mowachaht, Muchalaht, Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ucluelet, Toquaht, Uchucklesaht, Tseshaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ay-aht. Reportedly similar to Ditidaht [dtd] and Makah [myh].

Language Use

The language is almost completely replaced by English in both formal and informal domains of use, though significant passive knowledge of the language survives. Ceremonial use. All shifted to English [eng].

Language Development

Some dialects of the language are taught in local community schools. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nuu-chah-nulth
Writing

Unwritten [Qaax].

Other Comments

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribe is recognized by the Canadian government, and the Nuu-chah-nulth language is recognized as an individual language by the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council.