Omaha-Ponca

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A language of United States

ISO 639-3
oma
Alternate Names
Cegiha, Dhegiha, Mahairi, Ponka, Ppankka, Umanhan
User Population

85 (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 525 (2000 census). 365 Omaha and 160 Ponca (2000 census).

Location

Nebraska: Macy and Walthill (Omaha dialect); Iowa: south of Sioux City, east bank, Missouri river; Oklahoma: Red Rock area (Ponca dialect).

Language Maps
Language Status

8a (Moribund). Language of registered tribe: Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.

Classification
Siouan-Catawban, Siouan, Mississippi Valley-Ohio Valley Siouan, Mississippi Valley Siouan, Dhegihan
Dialects

Omaha, Ponca. Ponca and Omaha are completely mutually intelligible, Reportedly similar to Osage [osa], Quapaw [qua], and Kansa [ksk].

Language Use

Formally for prayers, especially at funerals, for songs, powwow announcements, but usually translated into English [eng] for nonspeakers present. Older adults only. All shifted to English [eng].

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. Omaha language program at Umonhon Nation Public School Culture Center in Walthill. Taught at tribal college and at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Ponca language program at Red Rock high school (Golla 2007).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Omaha-Ponca
Other Comments

Traditional religion, Baha’i, Christian, Mormon.