50 California languages: Isolates and other languages
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Carmen Dagostino
Abstract
California has long been known for its linguistic diversity and for pitfalls in trying to genetically classify the vast number of its indigenous languages. The difficulty of grouping these languages genetically stems from the longstanding small-scale multilingualism whereby languages enjoyed equal status, language ideologies linked language use to the land, and speakers were multilingual due to frequent intermarriage and trade relations among close neighbors. Although two large linguistic stocks, Hokan and Penutian, were proposed early in the 20th century to establish linguistic ancestry, many languages are still considered isolates, as it remains difficult to distinguish resemblances due to long-standing language contact from those attributed to genetic relationship. This chapter covers seven putative Hokan languages (Chimariko, Shastan, Yana, Atsugewi, Achumawi, Esselen, and Salinan) and six presumed Penutian languages (Wintuan, Maiduan, Yokutsan, Klamath, Miwokan, Ohlone), as well as two Yukian languages (Yuki and Wappo) and two Algic languages (Yurok and Wiyot). While other chapters in this volume are based on a single language family, the present chapter deals with languages spoken in a geographically contiguous area where several structural similarities stem from language contact rather than genetic affiliation. Several typologically interesting features present in these languages are highlighted, such as their complex sound inventories, patterns in core argument marking, lexical affixing structures, and argument tracking, among others. While many languages are currently dormant, their linguistic vitality shows a promising outlook. Several are now awakening, reinforcing the fact that language revitalization work can rest on archival sources.
Abstract
California has long been known for its linguistic diversity and for pitfalls in trying to genetically classify the vast number of its indigenous languages. The difficulty of grouping these languages genetically stems from the longstanding small-scale multilingualism whereby languages enjoyed equal status, language ideologies linked language use to the land, and speakers were multilingual due to frequent intermarriage and trade relations among close neighbors. Although two large linguistic stocks, Hokan and Penutian, were proposed early in the 20th century to establish linguistic ancestry, many languages are still considered isolates, as it remains difficult to distinguish resemblances due to long-standing language contact from those attributed to genetic relationship. This chapter covers seven putative Hokan languages (Chimariko, Shastan, Yana, Atsugewi, Achumawi, Esselen, and Salinan) and six presumed Penutian languages (Wintuan, Maiduan, Yokutsan, Klamath, Miwokan, Ohlone), as well as two Yukian languages (Yuki and Wappo) and two Algic languages (Yurok and Wiyot). While other chapters in this volume are based on a single language family, the present chapter deals with languages spoken in a geographically contiguous area where several structural similarities stem from language contact rather than genetic affiliation. Several typologically interesting features present in these languages are highlighted, such as their complex sound inventories, patterns in core argument marking, lexical affixing structures, and argument tracking, among others. While many languages are currently dormant, their linguistic vitality shows a promising outlook. Several are now awakening, reinforcing the fact that language revitalization work can rest on archival sources.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Table of contents VII
-
VII Language revitalization
- 32 Reviving languages: Outcomes of a Mentor-Apprentice style learning study 717
- 33 Child and child-directed speech in North American languages 741
- 34 Decolonizing Indigenous language pedagogies: Additional language learning and teaching 767
- 35 Digital tools for language revitalization 789
- 36 Using archival materials for language reclamation 807
- 37 Changing notions of fieldwork 823
-
VIII Language families and isolates
- 38 Inuit-Yupik-Unangan: An overview of the language family 843
- 39 Dene – Athabaskan 875
- 40 Algonquian 931
- 41 Michif 951
- 42 Tsimshianic 985
- 43 Wakashan Languages 1013
- 44 Salish 1053
- 45 Chinookan family, with special reference to Kiksht and notes on Chinuk Wawa 1115
- 46 Sahaptian 1139
- 47 Karuk 1169
- 48 Wáˑšiw 1201
- 49 Pomoan 1223
- 50 California languages: Isolates and other languages 1247
- 51 Chumashan 1275
- 52 Yuman 1303
- 53 Uto-Aztecan 1333
- 54 Kiowa-Tanoan 1361
- 55 Caddoan 1407
- 56 Sketch of the Siouan Language Family 1447
- 57 Chitimacha 1519
- 58 Tunica 1545
- 59 Muskogean 1577
- 60 Iroquoian 1601
- 61 Unclassified languages 1627
- List of Authors 1649
- Index of languages 1673
- Index of names 1685
- Index of subjects 1695
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Table of contents VII
-
VII Language revitalization
- 32 Reviving languages: Outcomes of a Mentor-Apprentice style learning study 717
- 33 Child and child-directed speech in North American languages 741
- 34 Decolonizing Indigenous language pedagogies: Additional language learning and teaching 767
- 35 Digital tools for language revitalization 789
- 36 Using archival materials for language reclamation 807
- 37 Changing notions of fieldwork 823
-
VIII Language families and isolates
- 38 Inuit-Yupik-Unangan: An overview of the language family 843
- 39 Dene – Athabaskan 875
- 40 Algonquian 931
- 41 Michif 951
- 42 Tsimshianic 985
- 43 Wakashan Languages 1013
- 44 Salish 1053
- 45 Chinookan family, with special reference to Kiksht and notes on Chinuk Wawa 1115
- 46 Sahaptian 1139
- 47 Karuk 1169
- 48 Wáˑšiw 1201
- 49 Pomoan 1223
- 50 California languages: Isolates and other languages 1247
- 51 Chumashan 1275
- 52 Yuman 1303
- 53 Uto-Aztecan 1333
- 54 Kiowa-Tanoan 1361
- 55 Caddoan 1407
- 56 Sketch of the Siouan Language Family 1447
- 57 Chitimacha 1519
- 58 Tunica 1545
- 59 Muskogean 1577
- 60 Iroquoian 1601
- 61 Unclassified languages 1627
- List of Authors 1649
- Index of languages 1673
- Index of names 1685
- Index of subjects 1695
