User:Trdixon62/Tlingit

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Tlingit

Language[edit]
Main article: Tlingit language Two Tlingit speakers, recorded in the United States.

The Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska and Western Canada speak the Tlingit language (Lingít [ɬɪ̀nkítʰ]), which is a branch of the Na-Dené language family. Lingít has a complex grammar and sound system and also uses certain phonemes unheard in almost any other language.[citation needed]

Tlingit has an estimated 200 to 400 native speakers in the United States and 100 speakers in Canada. The speakers are bilingual or near-bilingual in English. Tribes, institutions, and linguists are expending extensive effort into revitalization programs in Southeast Alaska to revive and preserve the Tlingit language and its culture. Sealaska Heritage Institute, Goldbelt Heritage Institute and the University of Alaska Southeast have Tlingit language programs, and community classes are held in Klukwan and Angoon.

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In the Tlingit language there are 4 short vowels and 4 long vowels. Vowels can be pronounced with either a high or low tone that differentiate them. Looking at the markings on the writing for the language is dependant on the place you are. Coastal Tlingit people will mark low toned vowels, while other places that Tlingit reside don't. Consonants in the Tlingit language include over 2 dozen sounds. Each one having a different part of the mouth to create the correct sound and tone.