Nuu-Chah-Nulth is a Wakashan language of the Northwest Coast,
spoken by around 300 native people in British Columbia.
The people and their language are more commonly known as "Nootka," an Anglicization of their name that came from white neighbors,
but the people prefer their own tribal name, Nuuchahnulth or Nu-chah-nulth, which means "along the mountains."
Some Nuuchahnulth people still use the word "Nootka" to refer to themselves, but others consider it an offensive term today.
Nuu-chah-nulth is an intricate language with complex morphology and many more consonant sounds and clusters than English has.
The language has been in decline in recent years, but some young people are working to keep their ancestral language alive.
Nuuchahnulth Vocabulary
Our list of vocabulary words in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, with comparison to words in other Wakashan languages.
Nuuchahnulth Language Lessons and Linguistic Descriptions
Nootka Language
Nootka phonology chart and sample text (special font required).
Nootka Language
Scanned-in language information including excerpts from a collection of Nootka texts.
Nuuchahnulth Dictionaries, Audio Tapes and Language Resources
Native American culture
Nuuchahnulth Vocabulary
Contacts and FAQ page
