Tanacross

Print

Primary tabs

A language of United States

ISO 639-3
tcb
Autonym
Nee’anděg’
User Population

60 (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 220 (Golla 2007).

Location

Alaska: Dot Lake, Tanacross, Upper Tanana area, Healy Lake, and Tok.

Language Maps
Language Status

8a (Moribund). Recognized language (2014, Official Languages of Alaska Law as amended, Alaska Statute 44.12.310). Language of registered tribe: Healy Lake Village, Native Village of Tanacross, Village of Dot Lake.

Classification
Eyak-Athabaskan, Athabaskan, Northern Athabaskan
Dialects

Healy Lake, Mansfield-Ketchumstuck. Little dialect variation. Mansfield-Ketchumstuck is most important politically and numerically. Reportedly most similar to Upper Tanana [tau], but with different tone systems.

Typology

Tonal.

Language Use

Only older adults in the home. Shifted to English [eng]. Also use Upper Tanana [tau].

Language Development

Practical alphabet established in 1973. Literature. Dictionary. Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Tanacross
Writing

Latin script [Latn], practical alphabet was established in 1973, sometimes taught in school.

Other Comments

Recognized as a distinct language in the 1970s.