American Indian language American Indian culture What's new on our site today!

Maidu Indian Language (Maidun, Nisenan, Konkow)

Maidu is a Penutian language of California. Actually there are at least three Maiduan languages, Maidu, Nisenan, and Konkow, which are generally considered distinct by linguists, but since each is spoken by only a few elders now, they are often considered together. Although the Maidu languages are seriously endangered, some young Maidu people are working to learn their ancestral tongue again.

˜Maidu Language

Maidu language samples and resources.

˜Maidu Culture and History

Information and links about the Maidu tribe past and present.

˜Maidu Legends

Introduction to Maidu mythology.

˜Maidu Language Resources –

Our Online Maidu Materials

Maiduan Vocabulary
Our list of vocabulary words in the Maidu, Konkow and Nisenan languages, with comparison to words in other Penutian languages.

Maidu Language Lessons and Linguistic Descriptions

Northeast Maidu Language
Scanned-in excerpts from a collection of Maidu texts.

Keepers of a Lost Language
Article on Maidu language revival efforts.

Maidu Dictionaries, Audio Tapes and Language Resources

Nisenan Texts
Several traditional stories in the original Nisenan (Southern Maidu) language, with glossary and a grammatical overview.

Maidu Texts
Collection of several stories in the Maidu and Nisenan languages.

Native American Language Dictionaries:
Maidu and other American Indian dictionaries and language materials for sale.

Links, References, and Additional Information

Maidu Language:
Encyclopedia articles on Maidu.
Lenguas Maiduan

Idioma Maidu:
Information about the Maidu language in Spanish.
Maidu:
Maidu links.

Back to the list of Native American Indian tribes
Back to our Native Americans websites for kids

Native Languages

Native American Art Native American Words Native American Tattoos

Would you like to sponsor our work on the Maidu Indian language?