Saving Alaska's Native Languages
Rush is on to Preserve Alaska's Native Diversity

A map of Alaska by language. See a detailed map. Graphic: Alaska Native Language Center

March 8, 2002 -- Around the world, native tongues are disappearing. By some estimates, more than half of the 6,700 languages spoken today will be gone by the end of the century. Some scientists say these linguistic extinctions are just as damaging as the loss of an animal or plant species.

In Alaska, one organization is making an attempt to slow the process. The Alaska Native Language Center, part of the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, promotes the use of the state's native languages and is trying to preserve as much material as possible about the 20 known languages.

"I think the best reason for preserving the language is because it gives the people a sense of identity, and I think it also raises self esteem," says Kathy Sikorski, a language specialist with the center.

Native Links Pick up a few native words and help keep native cultures alive at Alaska's native broadcast company, KBC: • Native Word of the Day • Native Radio Online at KNBA • National Native News

Sikorski's native tongue is Gwich'in, a language used by Indians living in northeastern Alaska. As with other native lanuages, the number of Gwich'in speakers -- currently around 400 in Alaska -- is dwindling.

At the moment, all of the 20 known Alaska languages are still being spoken. But, according to the center, some may not survive another generation. For Morning Edition, Joe Palca has more on the story.



In Depth

Browse for more NPR stories about native languages.

Other Resources

• Tune into Science Friday for its March 8, 2002 show on the world's disappearing languages.

• Read more about Gwich'in.

• Read more about other native Alaskan languages.

• Learn some common phrases.

• Inuit or Eskimo, which name to use?

• Learn about the Yukon Territory's native languages.

• Find out about endangered languages around the world.

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