The Chumash languages are considered by some linguists to be part of the Hokan family
of languages, possibly related most closely to Salinan.
There were once at least three distinct Chumashan languages--Northern Chumash (Obispeño), Island Chumash (Ysleño or Cruzeño), and
Central Chumash, (with four dialects, Barbareño, Ineseño, Purisimeño, and Ventureño, some of which may also have been distinct languages of their own).
The question is never likely to be answered, unfortunately, since
none of the Chumash languages are still spoken today. Indian slavery was practiced in Southern California until late in the 19th century, and language loss in this
region was particularly severe. The last speaker of a Chumash language (Barbareno, one of the Central Chumash dialects) died in the 1960's, but some young
Chumash people hope to revive their ancestral language again.
Chumash Vocabulary
Our list of vocabulary words in the Chumash languages, with comparison to words in Hokan languages.
Chumash Picture Dictionary:
Illustrated glossary of animal words in Chumash.
Chumash Language Lessons and Linguistic Descriptions
American Indian cultures
Chumash Vocabulary
Chumash Placenames 
Indian baskets
