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Klamath-Modoc Indian Language

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 of Oregon and Northern California. In the past, it was 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 Language

Klamath-Modoc language samples and resources.

˜Klamath Culture and History

Information and links about the Klamath tribe.

˜Modoc Culture and History

Information and links about the Modoc tribe.

˜Klamath Legends

Introduction to Klamath Indian mythology.

˜Modoc Legends

Introduction to Modoc Indian mythology.

˜Klamath-Modoc Language Resources –

Our Online Klamath-Modoc Materials

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 Language, Alphabet and Pronunciation:
Phonological inventory of Klamath-Modoc, with a sample text.

Hello Oklahoma: Modoc:
Modoc alphabet, greeting, and sample text.

House of Languages: Klamath-Modoc:
Information about Klamath-Modoc language usage.

California Language Map Site
Six maps showing the distribution of Klamath, Modoc, and other indigenous languages of California.

Klamath-Modoc Language
Demographic information about Klamath-Modoc from the Ethnologue of Languages.

Survey of California Indian Languages: Modoc:
Profile of the Modoc language from the University of California at Berkeley.

Klamath-Modoc Language Tree:
Theories about Klamath-Modoc's language relationships compiled by Linguist List.

Klamath Language Structures:
Klamath-Modoc linguistic profile and academic bibliography.

Links, References, and Additional Information

Klamath-Modoc Language:
Encyclopedia articles on the Klamath-Modoc Indian language.
Klamath Indians

Modoc Indians:
Klamath and Modoc links.
Lengua Klamath-Modoc:
Articles on the Klamath-Modoc language in Spanish.

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