The Klamath-Modoc language is considered by most linguists to be part of the Penutian
family of languages, possibly related most closely to the Sahaptian languages. Originally there were two dialects of the language, spoken by the Klamath
and Modoc tribes; it was evidently very easy for the speakers of these two dialects to understand each other. Today only one truly fluent speaker
(of the Klamath dialect) survives, with a few dozen other elders who remember something of the language.
Although Klamath-Modoc is severely endangered, some young people are working to keep their ancestral tongue alive.
Klamath-Modoc Vocabulary
Our list of vocabulary words in the Klamath-Modoc language, with comparison to words in other Penutian languages.
Klamath-Modoc Language Lessons and Linguistic Descriptions
Klamath Tribes Language Project
Online Klamath language lessons presented by the tribal language program, with audio clips.
Klamath/Modoc Linguistics Page
Linguistic profile, bibliography, and several papers on the Klamath-Modoc language.
Klamath-Modoc Language
Demographic information about Klamath-Modoc from the Ethnologue of Languages.
Native American cultures
Klamath-Modoc Vocabulary
Modoc:
